Living with alcoholic parents can be chaotic and unpredictable, leading to anxiety, sadness, anger, confusion and consequences that persist to adulthood.
In the U.S., growing up in a household with alcoholic parents is not a rarity. TheAmerican Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrystates that one in five adults in the U.S. grew up with an alcoholic family member at home.
For young children, growing up in a household with an alcoholic parent can shape the rest of their life. If the mother drank while pregnant, they could even be a victim offetal alcohol syndrome, which carries through childhood and into adulthood.
Having alcoholic parents can have several harmful effects on children. These issues can take root physically or psychologically, and consequences can last through adulthood. In some cases, children of alcoholics even develop substance abuse issues themselves.
Psychological Effects Of Alcoholism On Children
Children of alcoholics may be exposed to alcoholic behavior, which can have an ongoing effect on their view of alcohol, as well as their self-worth if they are exposed to abusive behavior from an alcoholic. The following are all ways that having alcoholic parents can affect a child:
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What Adulthood Is Like for Children of Alcoholics
Growing up with an alcoholic parent can have lasting effects, even after a child grows up and becomes independent. Some of the ways growing up in an alcoholic household may affect the adult children of alcoholics include:
Signs of Alcoholism at Home
If alcoholism at home is suspected, signs to look for in a child mayinclude:
- Failing in school
- Having no friends or withdrawing from classmates
- Delinquent behavior
- Complaining about headaches or stomach aches frequently
- Abusing of drugs or alcohol
- Being aggressive towards other children
- Risk-taking behavior
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
However, there are ways to reach out and help children of alcoholics. Relatives, teachers and caregiverscan help these children with educational programs, mental health resources andsupport groupslike Alateen and Al-Anon.Encouraging alcoholic parents to receive substance use treatmentfor alcoholism can also help if done appropriately with a mental health professional’s support.
Being a child of an alcoholic may be a lifelong battle for some children, but there are ways for them to cope with their parent’s substance use and learn to thrive as an adult.
If you grew up with alcoholic parents and are coping with substance abuse or mental health conditions of your own, The Recovery Village is here to help. We have locations across the country, and we are qualified to treat both addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.Contact ustoday to learn more.
