Alcoholism is a family disease that affects not only the individual but also their family members. Children of alcoholics continue to suffer as adults from the wounds they experienced in childhood due to a parent's alcoholism, often struggling alone for a lifetime with hidden feelings of fear, guilt, and resentment. A normal family life is unfamiliar to them, making it difficult for them to establish lasting partnerships even as adults. In this highly acclaimed standard work, adult children of alcoholics learn that there are ways and possibilities to escape the pull of addiction and look hopefully toward the future.