Treating Adult Children Of Alcoholics

Treating Adult Children of Alcoholics showcases the first collection of treatment chapters devoted entirely to a systematic behavioral analysis of drinking and nondrinking offspring of alcoholic families. The author identifies the functional and behavioral characteristics that make up the adult children of alcoholics (ACOA) syndrome. This compendium combines current innovations in behavioral medicine with multi-componential interventions shown effective with the variety of disorders evident in this patient population. This handbook for practitioners is richly laced with case examples and addresses the needs of therapists seeking fast, effective and proven treatments for longstanding clinical symptoms of children of alcoholics. First book to use behavioral analysis to talk about Adult Children of Alcoholics Gives introductory principles of conditioning in opening chapters for novice readers First book to say ACOA patterns are predictable, measurable, and treatable in a short time Gives scientifically based criteria to "rate your date" and prevent repeated relationship failures Introduces a new assessment device to diagnose ACOAs Warns therapists of recovery sabotage and how to overcome it

A comprehensive theoretical and practical presentation on theassessment and treatment of adult children of alcoholics. In Treating Adult Children of Alcoholics, renowned psychologist,researcher, and author Stephanie Brown develops an in-depth,integrated theory linking childhood experiences with an alcoholicparent to developmental difficulties. She emphasizes the importanceof the traumatic family environment and provides rich clinicaldescriptions, linking systems theory and literature of thehandicapped to the experience of children of alcoholics. Dr. Brown connects environmental issues with individualdevelopment. She details the defensive maneuvers required to copewith an alcoholic parent and explores their impact on thedevelopment of the self. Finally, she outlines the process ofrecovery, continuing to emphasize the link between environment andindividual development. She traces the recovery process from itsfirst step--admitting parental alcoholism--through thereconstruction of personal identity based on incorporating therealities of parental alcoholism into a new vision of theself. For mental health professionals, alcoholism counselors, graduatestudents, recovering alcoholics and their families, and adultchildren of alcoholics, Treating Adult Children of Alcoholicsprovides a clear understanding of the impact of parental alcoholismon the developing child. It also opens the door to a solid,realistic course of treatment that offers hope to thousands ofadult children of alcoholics.

Describes the symptoms and treatment of alcoholism and examines the ways it can disrupt family relationships

"Questions and answers to help you understand your past ... overcome your fears ..."--Cover subtitle.

I feel like people leave me abandoned all the time. Sometimes I'm so afraid for what seems like no reason. I just don't seem to have any energy. Why do the same thoughts keep racing through my mind? I usually don't feel happy or sad. If there isn't real excitement, I feel bored. I want to be close to people, but I just never make it. Do you see yourself in this list? Children of alcoholic parents have suffered wounds that affect their lives for years to come. They learn to protect themselves from the pattern of hurt that they have come to expect in life. The results of such constant vigilance against pain can range from ulcers, sleeplessness, addictions, depression and anger to a string of broken relationships. But adult children of alcoholics can go through a healing journey that will help them recover from their painful past and be set free to live as God intended. Daryl Quick takes readers step by step through new ways of feeling, thinking and acting that will replace the ineffective patterns they have been locked into for years. With moving stories and helpful exercises, Quick shows how adult children of alcoholics can find hope and healing. A book for those who want to recover from their past.

For all therapists who work with adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs), this comprehensive guide provides expert guidance in setting up and running a psychotherapy group. Successfully integrating theory and practice, the book surveys the current ACOA literature, explains the rationale for group therapy, describes how to set up a group, and suggests specific group leader techniques. Also included are insightful discussions on countertransference issues, the preparation and training of ACOA group leaders, and key areas for future research.

This is the official ACA Fellowship Text that is Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization (ACA WSO) Conference Approved Literature. Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families (ACA) is an independent 12 Step and 12 Tradition anonymous program.

Bestselling author, psychologist, and psychodramatist Dayton examines childhood trauma through an exploration of the way the brain and body process frightening or painful emotions and experiences.