Alcoholism is the most universal and widespread disease of our time. Unfortunately, it's not only the alcoholics who suffer. The larger and frequently-neglected group of family and friends often struggle in the background. Many of them do not realize that they too must heal and recover. The Happiness Mask: Life and Recovery with an Alcoholic, begins with the childhood memories of author David Szabados as he attempts to cope with, and understand, his alcoholic and abusive father. Later during adulthood, the cycle of alcoholism returns, but this time it is David's wife who has succumbed to the powerful effects of the disease. Desperate for answers to help save his wife and family, The Happiness Mask leads the reader through an emotional journey of recovery through David's eyes as the non-alcoholic family member. Through the revelations and experiences that are learned, The Happiness Mask reveals itself as a memoir that offers a message of hope and lasting healing.