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

First published 20 years ago, It Will Never Happen to Me is the definitive book for adult children of alcoholics. With her reassuring and informative approach, Claudia Black identifies common issues faced by children who grew up in alcoholic families: shame, neglect, unreasonable role expectations, and abuse. Using narratives and profiles, she describes survival techniques characteristic of children raised in alcoholic families, including the unspoken rules of don't talk, don't trust, and don't feel. Dr. Black carefully guides readers in identifying self-defeating, destructive behaviors and finding a healthier, happier way to live.