Alcoholism has reached epidemic proportions in our society with an estimated ten million persons currently suffering from this problem. The malignant effects of alcoholism are felt not only by the victim, but by close family members as well. In some way, fifty million American lives are being influenced by alcoholism. Every nurse practitioner can expect to have frequent contact with persons who are directly or indirectly affected by alcoholism. It is imperative that the nurse practitioner develop a thorough understanding of the dynamics of alcoholism in a family in order to accurately assess and intervene in the complex problems experienced by families with alcoholism.