The Alcoholic Family (Paperback)

~ Peter Steinglass (Author), Linda A. Bennett (Contributor), Steven J. Wolin (Contributor), David Reiss (Contributor) "WHEN NOAH emerged with his family from the trial and tribulations of the great flood to resettle the land, one of his first acts was..." (more)
Key Phrases: systemic maturation, family regulatory behaviors, detoxification contract, United States, Alan Lawton, Michael Brown (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The first full-length scientific exploration of the "Children of Alcoholics" phenomenon.

About the Author

Peter Steinglass is director of the Ackerman Institute for Family Therapy. Linda A. Bennett is associate professor of anthropology, Memphis State University. Stephen J. Wolin is clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, George Washington School of Medicine. David Reiss is professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine. Peter Steinglass is director of the Ackerman Institute for Family Therapy. Linda A. Bennett is associate professor of anthropology, Memphis State University. Stephen J. Wolin is clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, George Washington School of Medicine. David Reiss is professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (March 23, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0465001122
• ISBN-13: 978-0465001125
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #703,594 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helps explain family systems theory and alcohol treatment, February 19, 2001

By	Timothy L. Boschen "Chrestone Consulting" (Waynesboro, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Steinglass' work is an excellent example of how Murray Bowen's family systems theory can be applied to the need to understand how alcohol becomes the central organizing princple in a family. The volume is written more for those who assist families and those in recovery, rather than the patients and family members themselves, that is, for any person in the helping professions who has a working knowledge of system's theory. Well-written, well-researched and quickly understood, it would be a good resource for anyone who deals with alcoholics, their families and adult children's issues. Again,the only drawback is that it is not for the general public but for helping agents and that is not a drawback as long as one is aware of that up front.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, September 23, 2006

By	John Borders - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is not a self-help book but rather a serious, comprehensive, professional presentation of the insidious nature of alcohol and its impact upon the basic structure and functioning of a family. The book is also outstanding simply because of the manner in which it approaches and describes the fundamental aspects of a family - even if one were not focused upon alcohol, the description of what makes up a family justifies purchasing the book. It is not a perfect book, and somewhat tedious/redundant during the last chapters, but it remains (despite a number of years since its publication) one of clearest and profound presentations on either subject (alcohol or family) there is.