Some parents drink socially, and their alcohol consumption does not affect their ability to raise and nurture their children. Sometimes drinking crosses the line into alcohol abuse. Dr. Robert Needlman, a pediatrician with the Dr. Spock website, explains that 25 percent of children live with an alcoholic adult. The addiction can harm those youngsters in a variety of physical and emotional ways.
Emotional Effects
Children of alcoholics worry about the harm their parents are doing to themselves and feel guilty they cannot prevent the drinking, Needlman says. They might even feel responsible for causing it. Some act out with bad behavior and start using alcohol or drugs as they get older. Others take on adult responsibilities and became caretakers and peacekeepers in the family. They might even cover for their parents, trying to hide the problem from outsiders.
Physical Effects
Children with at least one alcoholic parent are more likely to be victims of emotional and physical abuse, including incest. A drunk adult might strike out more severely and with less restraint than a sober parent. The Center on Addiction and the Family in Phoenix states that up to 70 percent of child abusers also fit the diagnostic criteria for alcoholism. Youngsters who are forced to ride in a car with someone who has been drinking face a higher risk of being injured or killed in an accident because of the impairment.
Considerations
The physical and mental effects on children with alcoholic parents lead them to need medical and psychiatric treatment more frequently. COAF explains that many develop stress-related illnesses such as asthma and stomach problems. Lack of adequate supervision makes them more prone to injuries and accidental poisoning. Many are also hospitalized for mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Time Frame
Alcohol abuse affects children even before they are born. COAF warns that significant prenatal drinking puts babies at risk for a variety of birth defects, including fetal alcohol syndrome. This medical problem results in distortion of facial features, impaired growth, central nervous system problems and mental retardation. Emotional effects often persist into adulthood. COAF explains that adults who grew up with substance-abusing parents are three to four times more likely to be alcoholics themselves. They start drinking earlier, which raises this risk significantly, according to the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration. They are also more prone to depression, anxiety, eating disorders and gambling addiction.
Solution
Adults cannot be forced to stop drinking, although government agencies might be able to remove their children if the kids are being abused. However, kids from alcoholic homes often deny the abuse to protect their parents and because they believe they deserve it. Youngsters can get help at Alateen groups. These support groups are based on the 12 steps of Alcoholic Anonymous. They assist kids and teenagers living in homes with alcohol-abusing adults.
