Understanding Alcoholism
A Starting Point For Families!

by : Ted Lawson, CSSR

Is there an alcoholic in your family?

• Do you worry about how much a relative drinks?
• Is this person's drinking making your home life unhappy?
• Does this person get angry if you criticize his or her drinking or drinking companions?
• Does this person's drinking keep her or him away from home a great deal and/or cause that person to miss time from work?
• Do you sometimes feel that the drinking is more important to this person that you are?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions you may be living with an alcoholic.

In these pages you'll find a starting point, a way to help you begin to understand alcoholism and its impact on the family. You'll also find ways to get help before it's too late.

Author Ted Lawson includes chapters on recognizing alcoholism and on the special problems faced by the spouse and children of alcoholics. He explores several treatment/recovery options. The author also describes organizations that provide support for family members and friends who are struggling with the turmoil of living with an alcoholic.