The aim of the paper was to present some kind of framework for understanding co-dependence as the dysfunction in the close relationship with person, who is addicted to alcohol. The concept of co-dependence outlined here assumes that addiction to alcohol is at least fourfold disease. We are accustomed to thinking of it as having three aspects-physical, emotional (psychological) and spiritual-all of which apply directly to the addicted person. But that addiction is also family disease. Everyone around addicted person also suffers. Co-dependence is one of the consequences of that family syndrome. In the paper we present the diagnostic criteria for co-dependence and the current treatment approach.