This pathbreaking book paints a radical new picture of alcoholism, offering powerful evidence that most chronic alcoholics live out their lives in intact, relatively quiet family environments. The authors show, however, that living in an alcoholic family--in which alcoholism is the central theme around which family life is organized--has profound effects on family members both drinkers and nondrinkers.

An informative and inspiring guide to rebounding from childhood hardships to find uncommon strength and courage

"The Resilient Self reminds us all of the importance of being aware of and building on the strengths of our young people, whatever their early life experiences. We must work to give them hope and to craft services and programs that are respectful of the resiliencies so thoughtfully characterized by the Wolins. This guide, although based on the experiences of adults, offers extremely useful insights too for those working on behalf of children and...