Alcoholics and Their Enablers: Discover the Science Behind Lasting Sobriety

The book breaks through decades of myths and misconceptions with groundbreaking scientific insights into alcohol addiction. Drawing from cutting-edge genetic research and 36 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, this comprehensive guide reveals the ten "troublemaker genes" that predispose individuals to alcohol use disorder while exposing the devastating physical toll ethanol takes on human reproduction, hormones, and vital organs.
This work addresses both sides of the addiction equation—the alcoholic and their enablers—with equal scientific rigor. Readers discover how specific genetic markers (GABRA2, DRD2, CHRNA5, and seven others) create biological vulnerabilities that make moderate drinking impossible for some individuals, while learning practical carefronting techniques that break destructive enabling patterns.
The book systematically debunks dangerous cultural myths, from "liquid courage" enhancing sexuality to the false belief that beer is less harmful than wine or spirits. Medical evidence reveals how ethanol disrupts testosterone production, accelerates osteoporosis, and increases cancer risk—with women facing disproportionate dangers due to lower levels of the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme.
Written for families struggling with alcohol's impact, this science-based approach combines personal recovery narratives with clinical expertise. Chapters cover everything from fetal alcohol syndrome prevention to liver disease progression, while providing concrete tools like the alcohol AUDIT assessment and twelve-step program integration.

Our Readers
The long-held belief that small amounts of alcohol are harmless is challenged head-on in this groundbreaking book by Jonathan Harrison. The evidence presented within its pages demands a response from every reader. As I turned each page, one thought kept echoing in my mind: “Once we know better, should we not do better?” I dare anyone to finish this book and still cling to their old views about alcohol. Once you’ve read it, you’ll feel compelled to share it with everyone you know”.— Monty D. Meyer, CEO Take 12 Recovery Radio www.take12radio.com

Alcoholics and Their Enablers is a compelling and insightful exploration of the powerful dynamics between alcoholics and their enablers, challenging deep-seated myths and misconceptions with clear information and practical advice, frequently based in decades of personal experience. Regrettably, too many policies, programs and services for individuals and families are a set up for failure because they are based in a fundamental lack of understanding of alcoholism and recovery. The author, Jonathan Harrison, highlights how genetic predisposition to alcoholism can be understood similarly to other chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer—conditions where family history can increase risk but doesn't guarantee destiny. This crucial perspective helps shift the conversation from blame to understanding, emphasizing that recovery is always possible, regardless of one's genetic background. The book also delves into the emotional and psychological struggles of enablers, shedding light on why they may unintentionally sustain harmful patterns. Through a mix of research, personal stories, and expert guidance, Alcoholics and Their Enablers offers a hopeful and practical approach for those affected by addiction. It underscores that while family history may increase the risk, it doesn’t have to define the future, and recovery is within reach for both the individual and their loved ones through appropriate treatment and mutual aid programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Al-Anon Family Groups.
Robert J. Lindsey – Alcohol and drug free since 1976 and from an extended family with 13 family members living life in recovery. Retired Executive Director of International Doctors in AA (IDAA); former CEO of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD).

For almost five decades I spent tens of thousands of hours working one on one with men in my role as their "sponsor" in the 12-step program called Al-Anon. When I began attending Al-Anon meetings in the mid-1970s, I was among the very few men in the program located in Texas. Today, there are an estimated 24,000 Al-Anon Groups with meetings held in 118 countries. Al-Anon's 2024 Membership Survey results indicate that 11.9% of their members identify as male, while 87.1% identify as female. 
 
The men started with a deep love and respect for the women in their lives. But they had to watch that all slowly erode through the years of bad behavior that was the common result of addiction. Often their loved-one's self-destructive behavior was so intense and obvious that these men could not see how addiction had eroded their lives. Most men do not realize that it is possible to recover their losses. First, we need to grow past our learned stereotypes. 
 
The pharmaceutical industry, which is where I spent more than three decades working in sales and marketing. I also served as a Clinical Research Associate after annual training sessions in Washington DC on loan to the research department. These were smaller phase III pilot studies where I interfaced with the company research department, the FDA, and a principal investigator.  
 
Despite today's focus on illegal drug addiction, the most harmful addiction is to ethanol, a substance found in nearly every home and social event. 
On a personal note, I am one of you. I was an enabler. I learned enabling behavior as I grew up in a dysfunctional family where three of my four biological grandparents, including both grandmothers, were addicted to ethanol.