Adult Children of Alcoholics: The Lasting Impact I Psych Central

Growing up with a parent who has an alcohol use disorder can change how an adult child interacts with others. It can cause problems in their relationships with friends, family members, and romantic partners. While there is evidence of genetic predisposition to alcohol abuse, children of alcoholics can thrive with support and intervention. Teachers, therapists, friends, and relatives are cornerstones that provide assistance and resources. Support in ACoA is available to help people overcome adversity and lead fulfilling and sober lives. Adults and children of alcoholics are not alone and several resources and support are available.

What are the characteristics of adult children?

According to Peifer, a mental health professional can help you connect deep-rooted fears and wounds stemming from childhood to behaviors, responses, and patterns showing up in your adult life. If you’re the child of a parent who has or had an alcohol use disorder or other substance use problems, seek out support, especially if you suspect it’s causing issues for you. Therapists and other mental health professionals with experience dealing with addiction can help. Children whose parents use alcohol may not have had a good example to follow from their childhood, and may never have experienced traditional or harmonious family relationships.

“Many people with AUD are unable to have healthy conflict, especially when under the influence of alcohol,” says White. According to a small 2016 study involving 100 children ages Alcohol Withdrawal 7 to 14, those who had fathers with alcohol dependence were more likely to show signs of impulsivity than those whose fathers did not have alcohol dependence. These feelings can affect your personal sense of self-esteem and self-worth. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information.

So adult children of parents with AUD may have to guess at what it means to be “normal.” An alcoholic trapped in the depths of the addiction may not even realize what they’re doing to their loved ones. If it’s not possible to talk to them, try talking to a friend or to a counselor. Most schools offer counseling, and there are also plenty of support groups available. Al-Anon is an organization that helps the family and friends of alcoholics “find understanding and support” through meetings. A branch of Al-Anon known as Alateen is designed specifically for children of alcoholics.

Mental Health Effects on Children (Emotional, Behavioral, Social)

Speaking to another person about an already complex topic can feel scary, especially if your parent has asked you to keep things under wraps. However, finding a safe adult to confide in can make a difference, and provide the support that both you and your parent could benefit from. Because there was a positive correlation between the tested areas with high rates of AUD and those with negative socioeconomic factors, researchers also suggested increased support of these parts of the community. Studies suggest that both mental illness and trauma are risk factors for AUD and SUD. While these numbers can seem daunting, there is an extended network of people with shared experiences who are available for support if you need it.

The Effects of Growing Up with an Alcoholic Parent

One of the most important things you can do for a child with an alcoholic parent is to offer a sense of normalcy, even if it’s temporary. But exposure to AUD during childhood is a good reason to reach out to health experts and get the support needed to reduce the risk. You’re not to blame if you learned to use alcohol as a means of dealing with trauma from your childhood, but you can always take action to learn new, more helpful coping mechanisms. Children largely rely on their parents for guidance learning how to identify, express, and regulate emotions. But a parent with AUD may not have been able to offer the support you needed here, perhaps in part because they experienced emotional dysregulation themselves.

1. This state of hypervigilance is a common symptom of both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders.
2. These conditions can take a toll on your sense of safety, which may then affect the way you communicate with and relate to others.
3. AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data.
4. Some adult children of parents with AUD take themselves very seriously, finding it extremely difficult to give themselves a break.
5. The bottom line is that it’s on the parent or parents to curb their drinking and get the help they need.

What Does It Mean to Be an Adult Child of an Alcoholic (ACoA)?

Children of alcoholics can also benefit from skill building that teaches them a “variety of coping and self-care strategies to stay safe,” according to the NACoA. These dysfunctional family dynamics and trauma exact a heavy psychological toll on the child, who may respond to these stressors in different ways. They can help you understand the possible risks and decide if it’s a safe choice for you. Moreover, you shouldn’t use NyQuil as a sleep aid or for long-term treatment of symptoms. If you take more than the recommended dose, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. It increases the chance of an overdose, liver damage, impaired immune system, and addiction.

As a result, they might have learned to rely heavily on themselves and developed a sense of independence that verges on isolation. This self-reliance often continues into adulthood but can hinder the development of healthy social networks and support systems. Isolation is characterized by a tendency to withdraw from social interactions and an inclination towards solitary activities. This behavioral pattern can stem from various factors, such as a lack of trust in others due to unpredictable family dynamics or a desire to avoid potential conflict reminiscent of childhood experiences.

Children from alcoholic households carry their experiences with them for the rest of their lives. Anyone who cares about a child with an alcoholic parent can take the following steps to help. Coping with the lasting effects of a parent’s alcohol use can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. This state of hypervigilance is a common symptom of both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders. Maybe your parent was irritable, easily aggravated, or verbally or emotionally abusive while drinking or in withdrawal. Experiencing these behaviors from a parent can also wear down your self-worth over time.

Growing up in an alcoholic household predisposes the children to maladaptive behaviors. These issues end up affecting their relationships in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. In many cases, this is because the children were coerced, manipulated, or threatened by their parents during childhood. Even if a child has inherited genetic factors that predispose them to AUD, environment, lifestyle, and overall mental health all play a role. Children of alcoholics have a higher risk for many issues, including mental, physical, and sexual abuse. “In this process, you’ll process unresolved traumatic experiences and develop tools to formulate healthy relationships and communicate your needs,” she explains.