The disease of alcoholism (or alcohol dependence) includes four symptoms, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) says. These include a craving or compulsion to drink, loss of control over limiting one's drinking, physical dependence and a high tolerance for drinking. Alcoholism develops based on genetics combined with environmental factors. According to SAMHSA, alcoholism is responsible for more family problems than any other cause.
Effects on Unborn Children
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) causes birth defects ranging from mild to severe. When a mother drinks during pregnancy, the alcohol transfers from the mother to the developing baby. The severity of a mother's drinking during pregnancy correlates with the severity of the FAS symptoms. Symptoms of FAS include smaller size, underweight, brain and facial deformities and compromised neurological systems. Children with FAS suffer from challenges in learning, attention, impulse control, problem solving, behavior, judgment and social skills. Some children exposed to alcohol in the womb may be mentally retarded.
Effects on Spouses
The spouse of an alcoholic suffers from stress that may come from added family and parental responsibilities. The non-alcoholic spouse may have to become mother and father and perform additional home care responsibilities. There may be financial stresses due to the money spent on alcohol or joblessness on the part of the alcoholic spouse. Additionally, domestic violence may be an issue with spouses of an alcoholic. According to the AllPsych Journal, alcoholism is a major reason for divorce.
Effects on Children
Children of alcoholics may develop drug or alcohol problems, high levels of depression and anxiety, perform poorly in school and have problems with coping and problem solving. Other symptoms displayed by children of alcoholics include fear of abandonment, low self-esteem and loneliness. They may feel guilty and responsible for their parent's drinking, especially when it comes to young children. Older children may feel isolated and struggle with attending school and social functions.
Effects on Adult Children
Even after leaving home, adult children of alcoholics suffer from a variety of emotional challenges including lack of trust, depression, aggression and impulsiveness. They struggle with relationships, both with their children and their spouses. Additionally, they may deal with feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness and failure. Adult children of alcoholics may end up in a relationship with someone who is an alcoholic or otherwise abusive. According to AllPsych Journal, adult children of alcoholics are four times more likely to develop alcoholism than children of non-alcoholic parents.
