Adverse Childhood Experiences, Alcoholic Parents, and Later Risk of Alcoholism and Depression Psychiatric Services

If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately. The full list of characteristics can be found in the Laundry List, the 14 common traits of adult children, which was written by the ACA founder Tony A. This is a huge lesson for many—for better or worse, addiction is outside of friends’ and family members’ control. But they can establish boundaries around the addiction and for the addicted loved one, and start to move forward in the healthiest way possible with a recovery of their own. 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. If you have experienced this situation as a child and you wonder if your feelings are normal, it’s likely that there are many others in your shoes.

Some of The Symptoms of Being an Adult Child of an Alcoholic (ACOA)

As an adult, ACOAs have the right to build boundaries and expect others to observe them, even the person’s parents. Children of alcoholic parents deserve and have the fundamental right to confront their past, speak honestly of its impact, and make a better future for themselves. Being an adult child of an alcoholic leaves the person reeling and looking for answers. Sometimes ACOAs become alcoholics themselves or use other drugs to ease their pain, which is a remnant of growing up in an alcoholic home.

Published “The Laundry List,” which describes common characteristics shared by most adult children with a parent with alcohol use disorder. This lack of emotional support can lead to feelings of abandonment, loneliness and worthlessness in children. This emotional turmoil can result in emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem and difficulty managing emotions. They may struggle with feelings of guilt and shame about their family situation. Studies show a correlation between malnutrition and physical abuse in adult children of alcoholics. Often, people who grew up in an alcoholic home are hypervigilant and constantly alert for danger.

1. The danger in this definition is the removal of the breadth of experiences that children of parents with SUD have.
2. With therapy and support, ACOAs can make changes in their life and treat the underlying PTSD and trauma.
3. Because of this stuffing of emotions in childhood, many ACOAs find they cannot express positive emotions.
4. In conclusion, while the scars of growing up with an alcoholic parent can run deep, they do not have to define one’s future.
5. Chronic trauma can develop due to neglect, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, and domestic violence.

Treatment & Support

Indeed, a 2019 study revealed that one in five American adults has grown up with an alcoholic in their home. Millions of people experience long-term effects from living in an alcoholic home, including mood disorders like depression, anxiety, and the risk of substance abuse. Alcohol abuse within a family leads to dysfunction and conflict, negatively impacting all members.

Seeking external validation and approval is often a response to the inconsistent or critical parenting experienced in alcoholic households. Children may become overly focused on pleasing others or achieving external markers of success as a way of compensating for feelings of unworthiness or insecurity. This can lead to a fragile sense of self-worth that is heavily dependent on others’ opinions and approval.

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Alcoholic Parents, and Later Risk of Alcoholism and Depression

Addressing these issues head-on with appropriate treatment and support can lead to healthier outcomes for all family members. People who suffer from AUD often experience changes in brain function, mood, and behavior, and may become socially isolated. For alcoholic parents, it can affect the way they communicate and develop relationships with their children as well. Challenges with self-esteem and self-worth are pervasive among adults who grew up with alcoholic parents. The constant criticism, neglect, or inconsistent parenting they experienced can lead to deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. These individuals may struggle with perfectionism, constantly seeking external validation, or have difficulty recognizing their own achievements and strengths.

Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers. Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone. Addiction Resource does not favor or support any specific recovery center, nor do we claim to ensure the quality, validity, or effectiveness of any particular treatment center. No one should assume the information provided on Addiction Resource as authoritative and should always defer to the advice and care provided Hallucinogen Effects Short- and Long-Term Side Effects by a medical doctor. While there is evidence of genetic predisposition to alcohol abuse, children of alcoholics can thrive with support and intervention.

Healing from Living with Alcoholic Parents

If you grew up in an alcoholic or addicted family, chances are it had a profound impact on you. The feelings, personality traits, and relationship patterns that you developed to cope with an alcoholic parent, come with you to work, romantic relationships, parenting, and friendships. They show up as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, stress, anger, and relationship problems. Emotional numbing and dissociation are protective mechanisms that some children develop to cope with overwhelming emotions and traumatic experiences.