Women Married to Alcoholics

In this compassionate if repetitious defense of nondrinking women who stay married to alcoholics, Kokin ( The Myth of Women’s Masochism ), a clinical psychologist who directs a Montreal drug rehabilitation center, indignantly denies the view held by some that women cause or foster their husbands’ addictions in order to achieve control. Often blamed for continuing or ending the marriage, women can feel like hostages, and see no options other than to cover up the abuse and their anger, despair and guilt, according to the author. In addition to analyzing the causes, types and effects of addiction, the book recommends therapy for all “intervention” by a team of concerned persons guided by a specialist to confront the husband with his problems; individual or family therapy; and support groups such as AA and Al-Anon for family members. Coauthor Walker is a Canadian freelance writer. First serial to New Woman.Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.