The problem of alcoholism stronger and stronger afflicts the contemporary family that experiences the crisis. It is the result of unusually dynamic changes, not always desired and influencing the family structure in a negative way. Alcoholism has always been an undesirable phenomenon, expressing the social maladjustment. Adverse effects of this disease are, first of all, experienced by children for whom home should be the beginning of social existence, through which they encounter the social reality and which they enter by means of the family. Summarizing reflections on the alcoholic problem in the family, a destructive influence of alcoholism on the family should be stated. It leaves a clear imprint on not only the alcohol addict and his/her relatives, but all walks of life affected by this problem.

Key words: alcoholism, family, alcohol treatment.