It is important for those who have grown up with an alcoholic parent to seek help and support how alcoholic parents affect their children in dealing with the mental health issues they may be facing. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

growing up with alcoholic parents

PTSD in the Black Community: Addressing and Healing Collective Trauma

One of these types, termed Awkward/Inhibited by researchers, was characterized by feelings of inadequacy and powerlessness. Pam is a Peer Support Specialist with Southern Sky, dedicated to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys with compassion, understanding, and hope. Born and raised in Hampton, South Carolina, Pam is a proud mother of two amazing boys, ages 20 and 10. She has always been drawn to work that helps others, spending 20 years as a massage therapist before beginning her own journey through recovery. Inspired by her experiences, Pam chose to use her story, strength, and insight to walk alongside others who are struggling with addiction. Finally, one of the best things you can do with your trauma is seek professional help.

Seeking Professional Treatment

It is important for children of alcoholics to find supportive relationships and professional help to overcome these issues and develop healthy self-esteem and identity. The effects of growing up with an alcoholic parent don’t disappear when a child reaches adulthood. In fact, many adult children of alcoholics (ACoAs) continue to experience emotional, psychological, and relational challenges rooted in their childhood trauma. Even though the effects of growing up with alcoholic parents can last through adulthood, it’s important to remember that children in these situations have to do the best they can to cope and survive. By being honest with oneself and acknowledging the effect pain has had, children of alcoholic parents can let go and move forward. When an alcohol addiction is the cause of an ACE, there are specific outcomes that are present throughout adulthood.

  • These can include experimenting with alcohol or drugs at an earlier age, engaging in reckless behavior, skipping school, engaging in unsafe sexual activity, or getting into physical fights.
  • That’s why it’s crucial for adult children of alcoholics to teach their own children about their family history and inform them about potential risks.
  • Addiction greatly affects the family unit, with spouses, siblings, parents, and children also experiencing the consequences of an AUD.
  • Even one ACE significantly raises the risk of depression, substance use disorder (SUD), and poor physical health outcomes like obesity or smoking.
  • Allow them to express their feelings and concerns, without judgment or criticism.

How Therapy Helps Untangle These Emotions

Here are some of the ways you can break through the intergenerational cycle of alcohol abuse and reclaim your life—for yourself and your daughter. Studies show that children affected by parental drinking may develop serious problems in adulthood. One of the most common issues reported was a lack of trust in adults (more than 1 in 5). At Evolution Wellness, we understand how complex and painful this experience can be. In this blog, we’ll explore how growing up with an alcoholic parent impacts you as an adult and offer practical steps to start the healing process.

The goal is to create a safe space where kids can share their experiences without feeling judged. Tana goes on to explain how the trauma still affects her, and how treatment has helped Halfway house lessen the severity of her symptoms. As Program Director, he conceived and implemented The Door concept and has written multiple grants for this program and others. He is talented at blending the nature of business practices into the field of social services.

growing up with alcoholic parents

Defining the Term ACOA

growing up with alcoholic parents

They may interfere with the lives of others rather than addressing their own issues. This ties in with choosing alcoholics, workaholics, or other emotionally unavailable partners, which can create further trauma in adulthood. They also have trouble with ending an unhealthy relationship, often staying in harmful arrangements despite the damage that accrues. If a parent is struggling with alcohol use, some of their actions may not be socially desirable. For example, they may lie to their children about the true extent of their excessive drinking.

How to Grieve Losses of Your Childhood as an Adult Child of an Alcoholic

Each of these traits can manifest itself differently, which might make them harder to recognize. For example, someone seeking approval from others is likely to have a difficult time accepting criticism. They might blame the source of the criticism, or engage in emotional manipulation such as crying or the silent treatment.

It can be a difficult situation due to complex emotions like love, frustration, and loss that many women carry into adulthood, affecting their relationships. I don’t talk about it, avoid the ‘wine mom’ culture, don’t talk to people who have been drinking, none of it. I’m also a control freak and I’m pretty sure it stems from my childhood.” — Shayla F.