Women with Alcoholic Husbands: Ambivalence and the Trap of Codependency

In this important study of women with alcoholic husbands, Asher vividly describes the process of coming to terms with a profound crisis in one's private life. From interviews with more than fifty women, all of whom were participants in family treatment programs, she assembles a composite picture of the experiences shared by wives of alcoholics. The testimony given by these women illustrates the steps they must take to regain control of their lives. The first step is figuring out what is happening and deciding what to do about it. Asher argues that the vogue of using the label codependent may actually hinder rather than facilitate emotional health. Led to think of themselves as addicted to their husbands' addictions the wives of alcoholics may be persuaded that their own problems can't be overcome. But, Asher shows, these women can take command of their lives.

Originally published in 1992.

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Author: Ramona M. Asher
Publisher: University of North Carolina Press
Published: 04/10/1992
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.95h x 5.90w x 0.75d
ISBN: 9780807843734

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 04/01/1992 pg. 1416