Co-alcoholism is defined as ill health or maladaptive behaviour that is associated with living, working with, or otherwise being close to an alcoholic. The author feels that the clinician should be alert for alcoholism in patients presenting with anorexia nervosa, bulimia, brittle diabetes, or other poorly controlled chronic illnesses; psychosomatic disorders, & psychiatric illnesses, including suicidal gestures. An appendix, the Family Drinking Survey, is included. (NBB)