Children of Alcoholics Awareness Week

Children are defenseless. They are rarely heard. That is why they need us. Children raised in an alcoholic home vulnerability to being a victim increases. Parents that are under the influence of alcohol have little to no control over their behavior which in turns harms themselves and their family. As a child you model the behavior of the parent. Children of alcoholics or COAs develop patterns of the alcoholic parent. Often times without even realizing it until they become adults.

 

According to studies there are an estimated 26.8 million COAs in the US. The number of children being raised by a substance addicted parent is significantly high. Child protective service agencies, welfare records have shown that substance abuse (including drugs) account for 81% of one of the two top problems of families reported. With more than a million cases have been reported of abuse and neglect to due substance abuse a year! COAs are two to four times more likely to become an addicted to alcohol than a child in a non alcoholic home.

 

What about the COAs who never drinks? They still will have addictive personalities due to the influence of the addicted care givers. This is why many COAs suffer alone. It is easy to spot an alcoholic, but not a child addicted to worry or fear. Or the super responsible and successful child who hopes being perfect would cure the alcoholic from their disease. At its worst the COA becomes extremely aggressive and even violent. COAs due to neglect and abuse have a greater chance of a life of crime and living a life feeling like an outsider. COAs are at greater risk of depression, anxiety disorder, guilt, shame, problems in school, and having dysfunctional relationships.

 

So what can you do? You can advocate for Children of Alcoholics by going to http://store.samhsa.gov/home and download pamphlets and posters. You can post the pamphlets up at local hospitals, churches, community centers, and schools. You can become a part of the life of a child who has been neglected and abused due to substance abuse. COAs who have the support of an adult studies have shown that makes a big difference in their lives. With the guidance of a teacher, family member, community friend COAs will gain the strength to be resilient. Help break down the barrier of shame, guilt, and feeling of being alone and give COAs a chance to live healthy, happy lives despite the problems they have in their own. Trust me from my own experience it makes a difference!

 

COAs often feel alone as I said before. When they interact with the world everyone appears "normal" but them. This is why when parents get intervention COAs need to get intervention as well. Therapy is very important for children being raised in abusive, neglected and addictive environments. The COA needs to know that they are not alone. Unfortunately there are other families who suffer as well. COAs need to know that there is help and how they can get it. National Association of Children of Alcoholics: http://www.nacoa.net/index.htm has information on how to help COAs and has information on how to educate others on this social issue. Also for children who are 11 years old and older can join a group called Alateen. Alateen is a part of the group Al-Anon that supports families and friends of alcoholics. Together we can restore hope, faith, and LOVE in children who lives have been broken.