Having alcoholic parents can create lasting emotional scars. Alcoholics often think that their addiction doesn’t affect others. But the unfortunate truth is that addiction harms almost everybody in their lives in one way or another. And children, even very young children, are by no means immune to this. The anxiety they feel can lead to mental health issues and relationship troubles. It can also lead to poor grades and other issues in school. Children of alcoholics also have a higher risk of becoming alcoholics themselves. If you are a parent and are struggling with alcoholism, there are resources available. Find the support you need to get clean so that you can begin the healing process for yourself, your body, and your family.
Alcoholic Parents: How Addiction Harms Kids and How to Get Help
Mental Health Issues
Children of alcoholic parents often suffer from mental health issues because of the anxiety and stress of their home life. Children often take on feelings of guilt as well. They wonder why they aren’t good enough to be a priority over drinking for their parents. They might also suffer from anxiety over having to hide their alcoholism for fear of social stigma at school. Many family members of alcoholics develop trust issues as well because of the lies they are often told to cover up the extent of the addiction.
School Issues
Many children of alcoholic parents experience issues at school. It might be because they have a lack of support in their home life. It also might be a result of the stress of their home life. For some, it’s a matter of simply not having the care needed. If their parents are too intoxicated to help them with basic needs, their education will suffer greatly.
Higher Risk of Alcoholism
One unfortunate effect of having alcoholic parents is that children are more likely to become alcoholics themselves. For one, they are growing up in a household where heavy drinking is normalized. They also likely have access to alcohol earlier in life. They might see alcohol as a viable coping mechanism. There are also genetic components to alcoholism.
Getting Help
There are resources available for alcoholic parents and the children of alcoholic parents. If you are struggling with addiction, reach out to a recovery center or outpatient program to find out more information. There are also twelve-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or other peer-support groups. For children, speaking to a therapist can be very helpful in letting them process their feelings. They also need age-appropriate information about the dangers of addiction. Al-Anon is a great support group for family members of alcoholics.
Unfortunately, the children of alcoholic parents can experience a lot of anxiety and stress with their parent’s addiction. However, you can decide to get the support and help you need to begin the recovery process. Finding your children the support and resources they need to help cope with their experience can help you all move forward. Otherwise, children risk suffering from negative mental health effects like anxiety and guilt. They also risk issues with their education and a higher propensity for developing alcoholism themselves. To prevent these negative outcomes, research recovery options in your area. Build a support network and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Hopefully, you can get the help you need to end the cycle of alcoholism for the sake of your children’s wellbeing, as well as yours.