Characteristic psychological features of alcoholics' wives known as co-dependency are described. Co-dependency due to stress (life with an alcoholic) has its own emotional behavioural disfunctions, peculiarities of thinking and is accompanied by psychosomatic disfunctions. The manifestations of alcoholism and of co-dependency are similar. Co-dependent wives of alcoholics are suffering themselves, make their children suffer and aggravate family situation. They need psychotherapeutic treatment.