Research and clinical support for the connections between alcohol abuse and the family milieu have generated increased interest in family treatment approaches to alcoholism. In assessing the "alcoholic family," the clinician must consider numerous aspects of family interaction which have been linked to abuse and to treatment outcomes. Results from a case study illustrate the relevance of the Family Environment Scale (FES), a multidimensional evaluation technique, in assessing the alcoholic family and initiating family treatment. FES results can also be given as feedback in a format readily understood by family members. The FES may also be periodically administered to monitor changes in the family relationship as treatment progresses. (Author/JAC)