Adult Children of Alcoholics Syndrome: A Step By Step Guide To Discovery And Recovery (Paperback)

~ (Author) "People who grow up in alcoholic families have common symptoms and behaviors as a result of their common experience..." (more)
Key Phrases: family group information sheet, chronic shock, personal history section, Little Steve, Family Integration System, Higher Power (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Kritsberg outlines a complete self-help recovery program based on his unique Family Integration System, with techniques such as exploring family myths, writing letters to oneself as a child, daily affirmations, and dialoguing with absent family members. Previously published by Health Communications, Inc.

From the Publisher

More than 28 million Americans grew up in alcoholic families. They bear a painful legacy of confusion, fear, anger and hurt--and they are at shockingly high risk of marrying an alcoholic or becoming alcoholics themselves. In this authoritative book, Wayne Kritsberg shows how to recognize--and remedy--the long-term effects of the dysfunctional, alcoholic family. His proven techniques, based on extensive clinical experience using the Family Integration System offer REAL help and REAL hope for adult children of alcoholics--and those they love.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (March 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553272799
• ISBN-13: 978-0553272796
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #37,259 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #14 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Recovery > Adult Children of Alcoholics
  #57 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Recovery > Alcoholism
  #60 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Recovery > Drug Dependency

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars OH MY GOD...THAT'S WHY MY FAMILY DOES THAT!, January 23, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Chester County, PA) - See all my reviews

If ANYONE in your family line has EVER been the child of an alcoholic...THIS IS A MUST READ FOR YOU! You'll learn how the child of an alcoholic carries the traits of the syndrome, ie lack of intimacy, lack of feelings, family myths etc. The biggest SHOCK was learning that THE CHILDREN WHO CHOOSE NOT TO DRINK.....CARRY THE SYNDROME AS WELL OR BETTER THAN THEIR SIBLINGS WHO MAY BECOME ALCOHOLICS THEMSELVES! LASTLY - REMEMBER THAT ALCOHOLISM IS NOT SOMETHING PEOPLE CHOOSE TO BE OR CHOOSE NOT TO BE..IT'S NOT WHO HAS THE WILLPOWER AND WHO DOESN'T...IF YOU HAVE ANY ALCOHOL ABUSE IN YOUR GENEOLOGY...READ THIS BOOK!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What an eye opener, May 17, 2000

By	CBR (Everett Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Adult Children of Alcoholics Syndrome (Audio Cassette)

This book has brought light and understanding to the way I have felt most of my life. I thought I was going crazy. It is to the point and clearly shows the intergenerational impact of alcoholism on the family and you, Even if the active alcoholism was not in your immediate family (grandparents or great grandparents etc. were / are alcoholics) It removes any doubt and denial as to how damaging and far reaching the effects of alcoholism are. It also includes practical work for overcoming the feelings of anxiety, shame, and isolation. Adult children of alcoholics syndrome has been a Godsend for me. Facing the truth, pain and dysfunction caused by alcoholism in our family has restored my hope for an emotionally balanced and healthy future for my family and myself.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It has completely chqanged my life!, June 20, 1999

By A Customer

The discovery part was the most significant, because prior to this, I had no idea that I even had a problem.

I continue to recover, as we all do, but the book has made things so clear that the recovery process is zipping along. I keep expecting a big crash but so far, nothing. Right now, I feel like the second luckiest man in the world. I will be the luckiest on the day my wife realizes this is all for real and she can break her wall down that I forced her to build for protection.

I found the book at the Regina public library and after reading it, I needed to buy a copy for myself so I could use it for support for the rest of my life. Ironically, it was the last one available in our city and I was told it is no longer published. I needed a second copy as I gave mine to my sister who is also fighting her own battle.