It Will Never Happen to Me: Growing Up with Addiction as Youngsters, Adolescents, Adults

By Claudia Black

Book Overview

With her reassuring and informative approach, Claudia Black expertly identifies common issues faced by children who grew up in alcoholic families--shame, neglect, unreasonable role expectations, and physical abuse. First published 20 years ago, It Will Never Happen to Me is the definitive book/workbook for adult children of alcoholics.With her reassuring and informative approach, Claudia Black expertly identifies common issues faced by children who grew up in alcoholic families--shame, neglect, unreasonable role expectations, and physical abuse. Using narratives and profiles, 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. First explaining how such learned responses cause difficulties in adulthood, Black carefully guides readers in identifying self-defeating, destructive behaviors and finding a healthier, happier way to live.Key features and benefits: a proven seller by a respected recovery authorcontains easy-to-follow, useful exercisescan be used by individuals or in a therapeutic setting.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1568387989
• ISBN13: 9781568387987
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Hazelden Publishing & Educational Services
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Insight into Who I am and Why

I read this book AFTER reading ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS by Janet Woititz. Both provided me with insight into a problem I only recently realized I have. However, Black's book is both easier to read and has more detailed analysis. She divides ACoAs into four categories: The Responsible One, The Adjuster, The Placater, and "Acting Out". I fit the profile of Responsible in every way. I now understand myself better, and am beginning therapy for the first time in my life at the age of 55. Thank you, Dr. Black, for opening my eyes!

good help

I read it like a month ago and it changed the way I look into my life. I recommend it to all the ones who say 'It will never happen to me'.

Excellent source for adult children of alcoholics.

As an adult child of an alcoholic this book woke me up. I had never participated in Al-Anon meetings and this book was a great first start. If you want to better understand why you feel the way you do...read this book.