The Alcoholic Family in Recovery: A Developmental Model

by Stephanie Brown, Virginia Lewis, Virginia M. Lewis

Family relationships change dramatically when one or more members stops drinking. Far from offering a "quick fix" to family problems, in fact, the first years of sobriety are often marked by continuing tension that fuels marital stress, acting-out kids, and difficulties at work. This book explores the process of recovery from addiction as it affects the entire family, presenting an innovative model for understanding and treating families navigating this difficult period. The authors draw upon extensive clinical and research experience to demonstrate how families can be helped to regroup after abstinence, weather periods of emotional upheaval, and find their way to establishing a more stable, yet flexible, family system.

Genres: Nonfiction

318 pages, Paperback

First published December 25, 1998

Reviews

[Jeremiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in prep for a class I taught on substance use. A really important framing on the impact of substance use on relationships, and an understanding of recovery as a process that requires changes in communication and family structure, going beyond just stopping drinking. Five stars.

[Fate's Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some parts of this got a bit technical and wordy, but I understand the need for precision. Less necessary was the repetitive nature of some of the presentation, but the information itself was good. I went through the thing with a highlighter and I definitely learned a lot.