Daddy's an alcoholic: The lasting effects of alcoholism in the family

When we think of alcoholism, we sometimes fail to think about how the disease and the behavioral dysfunctions associated with the condition, affects the children of the alcoholic. As a therapist, I have treated hundreds of individuals who struggle with self-esteem issues, post traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide or homicide all as a result of living in a chaotic family environment.

Children need safe, loving, predictable home lives that reassure them that they, and the family are okay in the world. Well, the home with an alcoholic parent cannot provide that type of home environment. Often, the child takes on adult roles and fills the void to care for the sick parent. At times, the child is molested, abused and/or neglected as well. There are no benefits of having an active alcoholic as a parent! We have also seen that the children of alcoholics have a greater risk of becoming an alcoholic themselves...ugh, what a family legacy!

If you, or a loved one, is an alcoholic, or a child of an alcoholic, then encourage them to seek help for this immediately. There are resources for both the alcoholic (rehab, outpatient treatment, hospitalization) and the child (Ala-Teen, ACOA meetings, individual or group therapy).

Please keep in mind, that saving your life from addiction may also be saving your children from a life of psychological pain and suffering.

Recuperatio Primoris!