This is a must read for anyone who has suffered from an alcoholic parent. It is hard to read, but well worth it!

My mom was raised by her abusive and alcoholic father who was then killed by a drunk driver when my mom was 9 years of age. She went through some major emotional problems for that. I got this for her as a present one year and then borrowed it to read it myself. What a journey Woititz went through! By using personal narrative, she goes through explaining the devastation the selfishness of alcoholism creates. Its really unfortunate how its always the kids that have to suffer, but this book helps you realize what you couldn't see or explain, and then work to grow out of it. Beautifully done, I'm sure this will help millions of grown up children.

This book is a God-send for anyone who was raised in a dysfunctional household--whether it be an alcoholic parent or one with another substance-abuse or mental health issue--and it has wonderful insight into why we turn out the way we do.

I found, personally, that this book has explanations for ANYONE who wants to understand what it’s like to grow up not really feeling like a normal kid, and WHY the children of dysfunctional parents can fall prey to repeating the cycle. For years I just assumed that my feelings of inadequacies and failed relationships were due to me just being, well, unfortunately, me. But then I read this book and saw myself in all these other people, and I found that I’m not alone.

Really, this book has helped me so much in moving on with my life and realizing that I don’t have to let my past rule my future. This is a wonderful tool for all adults who were raised by dysfunction, and are looking for answers.

For children of alcholics, the pain doesn't always stop at childhood. Adult Children of Alcoholics takes an in depth look at the battle that adult children of alcoholics continue to fight within during their adulthood. Most children of alcohoics are afraid to speak to someone so this book is a good start of dealing with what you are experiencing. Most adults of alcoholic parents find themselves in a crazy cycle either becoming alcoholics themselves, dealing with low self esteem or now having a dysfunctional family of their own. The book examines those behaviors and patterns and helps you to deal with them.

Years ago I could have benefitted from this book personally but now I find it as a good guide I can share with a few friends who are adult children of alcoholics who are struggling with a few associated issues themselves of this topic. My copy of the book will be passed on and if you or someone you know was a child of an alcoholic parent, it is encouraged that you read this book.

Were either of your parents alcoholics? Were you raised by an alcoholic? Do you have things wrong with you and you think “I’m such a freak”?

Read. This. Book.

You’re not alone.

My best friend recommended this book to me when I was at a really low point in my life. I was freaking out over things, and every time I said something she would go “Dude, me too.” It turns out that a lot of those weird little things - that inability not to lie about inconsequential stuff, that difficulty with admitting you’re not okay – are common in adult children of alcoholics. Really common.

Common enough that there’s an entire book addressing how common they are.

Read this book, and remember that you’re not alone.

For years, I wondered why I felt alone and so different from other people. This book tells of the personality traits of adult children of alcoholics and what sets them apart from people raised in more functional households. It offers a lot of insight and is wonderfully validating. It is definitely a must-read!