Children of alcoholics (COAs) are thought to be at heightened risk for the development of alcoholism. Yet, despite the recent spate of articles in both the professional literature and the popular press on the effects of having alcoholic parents, there remains much controversy surrounding the topic. Offering a state-of-the-art review of the literature and a critical evaluation of COA research, chapters in this volume analyze such key areas as:* The prevalence of alcoholism and other forms of maladjustment among COAs * The role of biological and environmental factors in the expression of alcoholism* Optimal ways of intervening to prevent or ameliorate harmful consequences associated with being the offspring of an alcoholicTo provide a broad spectrum of methodological and analytical techniques, the editors have brought together experts in epidemiology, biochemistry, neuropsychology and neurophysiology, behavioral genetics, temperament and personality, family, and intervention to address issues that extend from the molecular through the family level. Each author assesses critically substantive findings in the COA literature and the quality of the methodologies employed; offers recommendations on the scientific approaches and methodologies designed to improve research; identifies COA issues that merit increased attention; and includes information relevant to prevention and treatment.

Michael Windle , Dept. of Psych. University of Alabama at Birmingham.

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