Leading the Way

Children of Alcoholics

Drinking alcohol is legal for adults, and many of them do so responsibly. But about one in eight adult American drinkers is an alcoholic or experiences problems due to drinking. More than 11-million children and adolescents have parents that fall into that category. Children of alcoholics are four times more likely than other children to become alcoholics. There is strong scientific evidence that genetic factors play a role in alcoholism. These children grow up believing alcoholism and addictions are normal.

Other problems faced by Children of Alcoholics (CoA) include:
Higher rates of victimization – from violence or abuse (physical/verbal/emotional/sexual)
Higher health care costs
Difficulties in school

Emotional Issues Faced by CoA

These make children more likely to seek relief from alcohol and other drugs.
Guilt – May feel responsible for a parent’s drinking.

Anxiety – May constantly worry about home situation and about parent’s health/safety.

Embarrassment – May feel that there is a ‘terrible’ secret at home, leads to social isolation.

Mistrust – After dealing with disappointment by the drinking parent, may have great difficulty trusting others.

Anger – May be extremely angry with the drinking parent, and may also be angry with the non-drinking one for lack of support and protection.

Depression – Stemming from the loneliness, helplessness and vulnerability of the home situation.

Whether or not their parents are receiving treatment for alcoholism, these children and teens can benefit from educational programs and mutual-help groups such as Al-Anon and Alateen. Assisting these students with their current challenges can help them see ways of coping other than drinking or other drug use.

Sources and Resources:

Al-Anon/AlaTeen; Alcoholics Anonymous; American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry; National Association of Children of Alcoholics; SAMHSA; National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; Center for Substance Abuse Prevention