Alcohol/Drug Problems for Children of Alcoholics

Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of pathological use which impairs social or occupational functioning and lasts for at least one month. Whether alcoholism is a physical, emotional, or mental disease, remains open to debate (Leuin, 1991). It is estimated that there are over 28 million Americans who are the children of alcoholics (COAs), and that around 11 million of this population are under the age of 18. This at risk group of children are brought up in a chaotic family environment, lacking stability and emotional support (Adger, Macdonald, & Wenger, 1999, p. 1091).

Though some will overcome these and other difficulties, many grow up to face alcohol and drug abuse problems or other serious emotional and coping problems. Research shows that alcoholism in sons, daughters, and grandsons is associated with parental alcoholism, as are many mental health problems, to include depression, panic attacks, and antisocial and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Female COAs are prone to somatic disorders and bulimia. Child abuse among these children is also prevalent; studies estimate that 11.9% to 69% of COAs are abuse victims (Adger, Macdonald, & Wenger, p. 1091; Lennox, Scott-Lennox, & Holder, 1992, p. 88).

Social workers need to identify children of alcoholics or alcoholic families, to allow for early involvement and meaningful intervenement. The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACo

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ages, and they may also seek self-medication with alcohol or drugs. Coping strategies include the becoming "the responsible one," "the adjuster," "the placater," and "the acting out child" (Black, pp. 49-64; Markowitz, p. 218). Other descriptions of typical roles include the family hero, the scapegoat, the lost child and the mascot, with the hero (high achieving, responsible) being the most common; children usually fall into one role, but they may exchange roles when deemed necessary (Wook, 1987, pp. 8-9). A typical coping mechanism for the COA is to become overly sensitive and attuned to others, beginning with the parental needs. This coping technique may manifest itself in the adult, as a helping professional, thus the family hero turns into a pro. The COA may appear successful in this case, however, it is at the expense of their own needs, and results in emptiness and feeling alone. In this case the COA lacks the ability to trust or comfort themselves, leaving them even more vulnerable to external sources, and more dependent on the rejecting parent. The COA continues to hope to obtain the connection to the parent that they seek, with the constant adjusting of their own behavior to suit their delusional or imagined view of
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Approximate Word count = 2258
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page)

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