Diseases that affect both the mind and body can lead to a person acting and reacting in ways that they normally wouldn’t, or neglecting the things they care about most. Understanding that those living with AUS or SUD are likely engaging in response to something in their lives can help rid the stigma surrounding varied use disorders, leading to more accessible treatment for those experiencing it. Enter your phone number below to receive a free and confidential call from a treatment provider.
Explaining Alcoholism to a Child
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. ACoA is a mutual support organization and a 12-step program to help those who grew up in homes affected how alcoholic parents affect their children by alcohol use disorder or other forms of family dysfunction. Growing up with an alcoholic father or mother is considered an adverse childhood experience (ACE), leading to enduring physical and mental health challenges persisting into adulthood and potentially old age if not addressed.
- Even with the understanding that these disorders are like many other chronic conditions — where proper intervention and treatment can make a significant difference in overall behavior — that may not always make living circumstances any easier.
- It is also unclear whether the integrated approach of working with the whole family is more efficient than focusing on the children independently.
- But children of alcoholic parents never know what it’s like to grow up in a non-alcoholic home.
- So consider pointing them to information on topics such as detox, outpatient, inpatient, aftercare, the admissions process, types of therapies, family treatment, and more.
9-Year-Old Children of Alcoholics
That said, it’s important to recognize that behaviors resulting from this illness can have a negative impact on loved ones. 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. You don’t have to feel limited in how you process and navigate this situation. Navigating relationships with parents can be difficult, especially if they are navigating their own complex situations like addiction. If one or more parents continue drinking heavily as the child is growing up, this can also have negative consequences.
Statistics on Alcoholic Mothers and Children in the U.S.
A 2017 study showed that an estimated 12% of youth under the age of 18 lives with at least one parent that experiences alcohol use disorder (AUD). Plus, based on combined data from 2009 and 2014, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) reports that 1 in 8 children have a parent experience substance use disorder (SUD). An unpredictable and unreliable environment https://ecosoberhouse.com/ can cause a child to feel unsafe in their own home. They may feel trapped and unable to escape the pain caused by their parent’s addiction to alcohol. Children may blame themselves for their needs not having been met, which can lead to feelings of shame and unworthiness. In addition, increased difficulties in academic and social settings can be the result of this kind of environment.
- They are also more likely to display rule-breaking, aggressiveness, and impulsivity (externalizing behaviors) in childhood.
- Even if a child has siblings, they may still pull away and feel like no one understands what they are going through or cares.
- They may also struggle with relationships, face academic challenges, and have a higher risk of developing substance abuse problems themselves.
- For clinicians, researchers suggested that while medical intervention is not common, incorporating practices like screen and psychosocial treatments could assist adults and lower the rates of AUD.
- A therapist specializes in helping adult children of alcoholics navigate the healing process.
- Growing up with an alcoholic parent can greatly affect a child’s mental health.
Is Alcoholism Genetic?
Children who grow up with at least one parent with alcohol use disorder can have an increased chance of experiencing negative health and behavioral outcomes. Parents’ use of alcohol and teens’ lower performance in school have shown an association in research. This could be related in part to the behavior issues among children of parents with an AUD.
- By being honest with oneself and acknowledging the effect pain has had, children of alcoholic parents can let go and move forward.
- If abuse is present as a result of alcoholism, the child may also fear being physically or psychologically abused each day.
- Even if a child has inherited genetic factors that predispose them to AUD, environment, lifestyle, and overall mental health all play a role.
- It’s estimated that more than 28 million Americans are children of alcoholics, and nearly 11 million are under the age of 18.
- Babies whose mothers consume alcohol while pregnant can develop an array of physical and mental birth defects.
In the US, there are 11 million children under the age of 18 living with at least one alcoholic parent. When a parent is preoccupied with maintaining their dependency on alcohol, they often do not meet their child’s basic needs. These needs include nutrition, safety, education, structure, consistency, affection, and healthcare. If these basic needs are not met, households (many of them fraught with alcohol abuse) could be filled with chaos and uncertainty.
You deserve excellent care and a rewarding life in recovery.
AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers. Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. If you or someone you know is struggling as a child of alcoholics, find further information and help about ACoA on their website. Unfortunately, they are vulnerable to early and frequent substance use, including alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other illicit drugs. It is important to remember that not all individuals exhibiting these behaviors are necessarily struggling with alcoholism, but they may be warning signs worth paying attention to.