By Carol Church, Writer, Family Album
Reviewed by Heidi Radunovich, PhD, Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, University of Florida
This post is in honor of Alcohol Awareness Month.
When we bring a child into the world, we take on a huge responsibility. These small people look to the adults in their lives to supply them with love, stability, and a sense of security. Sadly, not all parents are able to consistently provide these essentials. For instance, when a parent is an alcoholic, children’s worlds may turn upside down at any moment.
According to the most recent statistics from the federal government, about 10% of children under age 18 are currently living with an alcoholic parent. This translates to over 7 million children nationwide.
Youth with an alcoholic parent are at increased risk of abuse and neglect. They may develop symptoms of depression and anxiety. Some may have trouble with school and problems with cognitive development. Unfortunately, other adults in these children’s lives may not recognize the root cause of the issues.
Even if mental health issues do not develop, children whose parents have problems with alcohol often feel guilt and anger about their parent’s drinking habits. They may be fearful about what will happen next, and embarrassed to have friends over. Home can be confusing and chaotic. If the parent is not able to fully function, the child or teen may be forced to take on responsibilities she or he is not ready for, such as paying bills, cooking and cleaning, or maintaining the home.
Ideally, a parent who is abusing alcohol will choose to enter treatment. Even if the parent is not in treatment, however, these children need assistance.
Though these children face challenges, including an increased risk of developing alcoholism themselves, many overcome this difficult start. Programs like Al-Anon and Alateen and child psychologists provide essential services to help youth facing alcoholism in the family.
For resources that can help children and teens with an alcoholic parent, visit Further Reading.
(Photo credit: So I called up the Captain, “Please bring me my wine” by Dave Sutherland. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. Cropped.)
Further Reading
Al-Anon–“Strength and hope for friends and families of problem drinkers”
Alateen–Support specifically for teens affected by alcoholism in the family
For Youth: Concerned About Someone?–from the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence
Coping with an Alcoholic Parent–KidsHealth
Children of Alcoholics: A Kit for Educators
References:
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Pyschiatry. (2011). Children of alcoholics. Retrieved from http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/Facts_for_Families_Pages/Children_Of_Alcoholics_17.aspx
Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2012). More than 7 million children live with a parent with alcohol problems. Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/Spot061ChildrenOfAlcoholics2012/Spot061ChildrenOfAlcoholics2012.pdf
(Originally published in a slightly different form as: Church, C. (2013). Children of alcoholic parents. [Radio broadcast episode]. Family Album Radio. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida.)
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