Adult Children of Alcoholics In the foreword of her part Janet Woititz states that.

Adult Children of Alcoholics

In the foreword of her part Janet Woititz states that, "Adult Children of Alcoholics was originally written merely with children of alcoholics in mind. Since its publication, we have learned that the material discussed applies to other originals of dysfunctional families as well. If you did not sprout up with alcoholism, but lived, for example, with other compulsive behaviors similar as gambling, drug abuse, or overeating, experienced chronic illness, deep-felt religious attitudes, were adopted, lived in help forward care or in other potentially dysfunctional arrangements you may find that you identify with the characteristics. It appears that a great quantity [i]or[/i] amount of of what is true for the children of alcoholics is truthful for others, and that this understanding can help restore the isolation of countless parts who also thought they were `different' because of their life experience."

The author has based this main division on work with groups of adult children of alcoholics and exploration of their notions attitudes, reactions, and feelings, and the powerful influence of alcohol in their lives. Certain generalizations about adult children of alcoholics are propos and discussed in the part in some detail. The author presents a list of those general characteristics. "Adult children of alcoholics:

1 Gues at what normal behavior is

2 Have difficulty following a project

[i]or[/i] part of to the other from beginning to end

3 Lie when it would be just as easy

to make known the truth

4 arbiter themselves without mercy

5 Have difficulty having fun

6 Take themselves excessively seriously

7. Have difficulty with intimate

relationships

8 Overreact to changes through the whole extent of which

they have no control

9 Constantly seek for approval and

affirmation

10 Usually be perceived that they are different

from other the community 11. Are super responsible or super

irresponsible 12 Are extremely loyal, on the same level in the

face of evidence that the loyalty is

underserv 13 Are impulsive and guard to lock

themselves into a course of action

without giving serious

consideration to alternative behaviors or

possible ends This

impulsivity leads to confusion, self-loathing,

and los of sway of

their environment. As a terminate they

waste tremendous amounts of time

cleaning up the mess

The author's discussion of these characteristics of children of alcoholics (and almost anyone otherwise as presented in the foreword) is self-same sensitive and caring. I be wrought up however, that much of the work is overgeneralized without reference to the fact that many the bulk of mankind fall outside of the descriptors, or at least sole partially fit some of the characteristics. Many actually may have had experiences that helped expand strong ego-sense and positive self-image. Alcoholism does not obviate love and the reality that the be enamoured of was real.

Dr Woilitz used statements like:

"After all, you had been told all

your life that you were of that kind a

crummy kid."

and

"You couldn't help feeling that

if you weren't in the picture

there wouldn't be all the trouble"

Sadly, these feelings are obviously veritable for many, but the book's presentation was united that lacked flexibility for individualizing. The work does not address variety in severity of purports The consistent use of the pronoun "you" made the reader be warmed that the characteristics described that didn't "fit" (and many did) were particularly intrusive and diluted the impact of the parts that did.

This review was written from a personal rather that a professional point of view since I am the adult child of an alcoholic, not a psychologist. For this reason I gave frequently thought to whether or not a "denial" factor was involved in my negative answer to the overgeneralization of this work In discussing this possibility with friends and family, I be impressed that my review is valid. As a lifetime educator, I have a great appreciation for the complexities of the chemistry of human disposes as well as the uniqueness of the individual. I challenge this talented author to expand in succession this book to allow for the magic of the human race.

Carol R Smith is a Fine Arts Specialist with the Beaverton seminary District in Beaverton, Oregon

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