Nearly 11 million children under the age of 20 live with a parent or other caregiver who abuses alcohol.1 They often live in an atmosphere of denial, fear, and chaos, and may be emotionally or physically neglected or abused. As a result, they learn not to talk about their family's problems, trust others, or express their feelings.
In addition to living in stressful conditions, children who live with parents who abuse alcohol lack opportunities to develop social, emotional, or practical skills. They are more likely to:
- Experience problems at school.
- Display behavioral problems such as lying, stealing, or fighting.
- Suffer from depression and anxiety problems.
- Abuse alcohol or other drugs themselves.2
Caring adults can help these children. You don't have to be a parent or relative to provide some of the emotional support and encouragement children of alcoholics so desperately need. Research shows that positive relationships with other adults, as well as supportive programs and groups, can help these young people cope with their painful emotional experiences, develop social skills, and learn to solve problems.3 A stable, encouraging presence can introduce children to a different, more positive, reality, where people can trust, respect, and care about each other.
The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) advocates for children and families affected by parents who abuse alcohol. NACoA suggests that caring adults introduce children to the "Seven Cs" to help counter some of the negative effects of living with alcohol abuse. The Seven Cs are:
- I didn't Cause it.
- I can't Cure it.
- I can't Control it.
- I can Care for myself by
- Communicating my feelings,
- Making healthy Choices, and
- By Celebrating myself. 4
Children whose parents abuse alcohol also may benefit from being involved in a group created just for them, like Al-Anon/Alateen. Groups such as these offer information and support to children of alcoholics and their families and friends.
Sources
AL-ANON/ALATEEN
Alcoholics Anonymous
National Association for Children of Alcoholics
CADCA Strategizer 26: Coalitions Address Children of Alcoholics
CSAP Resource Guide: Children of Alcoholics
If Someone Close to You Has a Problem With Alcohol or Drugs
Alcoholism Tends to Run in Families
Remember the Seven Cs
Girl Power! You're Not Alone (for children)
Girl Power! You Can Help (for adults)
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