Claudia Black (1)

This 'little green book' will be invaluable to any ACoA. The thing is, Claudia Black doesn't only focus on alcoholic parents and their impact on their children but, looks at the family as a whole (e.g. how even a non-alcoholic parent's behaviour, in such a context, can be as damaging to a child) and, beyond, how such families also interact with the 'outside world'. Talking thus about co-alcoholism (a key concept) her view allows for a deeper understanding of how dysfunctional families show more affected by alcoholism are compared to normal ones and, in the face of these dysfunctions (and she dares facing the violence and abuses/domestic abuses involved) how children adapt in locking themselves up into different roles so as to cope and survive. Crucially, as these roles are what ACoA will carry with them into adulthood, understanding them is better understanding why ACoA are the way they are -both in their good and bad sides. Brilliantly, it's thus a whole pattern that is described here, one in which every ACoA will relate all too easily: even if you managed to walk away from a childhood affected by alcoholism, the survival mechanisms adopted as a child will still define you as an adult. 'It will never happen to me!' is a very emotional book but, so valuable and relevant that I recommend it warmly to any ACoA. show less

The seminal workbook for Adult Children of Alcoholics. Excellent case studies are interspersed with exercises reinforcing the core material. Most impressive to me was the feeling of hope I had when I finished the book as a young woman. "I'm free," I thought, "I'm finally free."

It Will Never Happen to Me is the definitive
book/workbook for adult children of alcoholics.
Claudia Black expertly identifies common issues
faced by children who grew up in alcoholic
families - shame, neglect, unreasonable
role expectations, and physical abuse. She
describes survival techniques characteristic of
children raised in alcoholic families, including
the unspoken laws of don’t talk, don’t trust, and
don’t feel. Black guides readers in identifying
self- defeating, destructive show more behaviours and
finding a healthier, happier way to live. show less

Alcohol use, drug use, and addiction are challenging topics for parents to discuss with children. These subjects are even more complex, and more urgent, for recovering parents to discuss with their children. Best-selling recovery author Claudia Black introduces readers to five different families and reveals how each of the parents talked with their kids about recovery, relapse, and the childs own vulnerability to addiction. Discussion tips and clearly presented facts help parents focus on show more key issues. Age-appropriate strategies help reduce childrens experimentation with alcohol and other drugs. show less