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 ones 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 cant be overcome. But, Asher shows, these women can take command of their lives.

Originally published in 1992.

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