Children of Alcoholic Parents By: JP Ugast

Facts Estimated 7-12% of children under 15 years old have at least one alcoholic parent. Up to 40% of children are likely to develop a substance-related disorder themselves in affect of their parents alcoholism. Children of alcoholics also seem to have an increased risk of developing emotional, social and behavioral problems.

Struggles They Go Through Lots of arguing and fighting tend to occur that is solely caused by their parents drinking problem. Lots of parents get divorced because one of them destroys the family through the other parents addiction. Kids are more likely to consume alcohol at an earlier age when they are exposed to their parents drinking problem.

How Kids React Most kids lash out towards their parent when their parent is on a drinking binge. Many alcoholics form a sense of great anger and aggression when they are using, and it results in their child or children reacting in a nasty manner that usually causes fights within a family. Some kids do not react by arguing with their parent, and it just effects the mentally.

Short Term Effects On Kids Children can have several short term effects from their parents drinking problem. Some short term effects include psychological issues, emotional problems, and relationships.

Long Term Effects Long term effects can be somewhat severe for some children of alcoholics. Trust issues is one of the biggest long term effects on children. Alcoholism is a genetic thing, but not always adapted by the children, however it is still considered a long term effect.

Coping With Their Parent The only way to cope with your alcoholic parent is to talk to them when they are sober. When they are sober they have all their senses, and will usually listen to what you have to say, especially if you tell them you have something important to talk to them about. If it is apparent that they have a drinking problem, talk with your other parent, and recommend that they get help. it is extremely difficult dealing with an alcoholic parent, but if you stay strong and supportive of them things will start to look up.