Treating Adult Children of Alcoholics: A Behavioral Approach is the first book devoted entirely to a systematic behavioral analysis of the drinking and non-drinking offspring of alcoholic families. It combines current innovations in applied and experimental research with behavior therapy interventions proven effective with social skill training, and a variety of disorders including obsessive-compulsions, phobias, and addictions. Chapters highlight methods of assessment and short-term therapy for related emotional disorders such as shame, guilt, excessive caretaking, and post-traumatic childhood fears. Recovery-sabotage and family resistance chapters round out empirically valid steps to treat Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA). The treatment also facilitates prosocial behavior in work settings, friendships and marriage. Students and practitioners will discover they can clearly identify, measurably predict, and efficiently treat chronic clinical symptoms of ACOAs within a short time. KEY FEATURES First book to use behavioral analysis to talk about Adult Children of Alcoholics Gives introductory principles of conditioning in opening chapters for novice readers First book to say ACOA patterns are predictable, measurable, and treatable in a short time Gives scientifically based criteria to rate your date and prevent repeated relationship failures Introduces a new assessment device to diagnose ACOAs Warns therapists of recovery sabotage and how to overcome it Dr. Douglas Ruben is a psychologist and national consultant on family therapy, addictions, forensics, and media psychology. He is author and co-author of over 40 books and over 100 professional articles, and is on the editorial board of The Forensic Examiner. Dr. Ruben is also the director of the ACOA Behavior Research Center.