Berger's book refers to alcoholism as "the family disease." While beginning with a discussion of alcoholics and including information on the effects of alcohol and the causes of alcoholism, the author's main focus is on the families of alcoholics, including the feelings of shame, guilt, helplessness, and bitterness that family members often feel. Berger also deals frankly with codependency, abuse, dysfunctional families, and the tendency of adult children of alcoholics to either marry alcoholics or become alcoholics themselves. A final section covers prevention, treatment, and recovery. Information is presented in an easy-to-read question-and- answer format, with interesting statistics inserted at the beginning of each chapter. Without crossing into the realm of bibliotherapy, the author sends the message to young people who are living with alcoholics that they are not alone and encourages them to get help for themselves and, if possible, for their families. Source notes, bibliography, and an agency information section are included.