Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Psychology, Self-Help, Addiction, Mental Health, Non-Fiction

Book Review:
Claude Steiner's ''Games Alcoholics Play'' is a groundbreaking classic that applies the principles of Transactional Analysis (TA) to the complex world of alcoholism. With a foreword by TA founder Eric Berne, the book moves beyond mere description of addiction to analyze the unconscious psychological ''games'' and ''scripts'' that problem drinkers enact. Steiner categorizes alcoholics into types like ''Drunk and Proud,'' ''Lush,'' and ''Wino,'' detailing the specific interactions (games like ''Debtor,'' ''Kick,'' or ''Look How Hard I've Tried'') that perpetuate their addiction and involve those around them. The book's strength is its framework for understanding alcoholism as a relational and psychological pattern, not just a physical disease. It offers profound insights for family members and therapists, helping them recognize and disengage from destructive cycles. While some terminology may feel dated, and its approach is more psychological than medical, the core insights remain powerfully relevant. It is essential reading for anyone in the field of addiction counseling, psychology students, and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the interpersonal dynamics of alcoholism.