by Gina DeMent, Public Information Officer
Five County Mental Health Authority
An estimated one in four youth under the age of eighteen in the United States are exposed to a family where a person abuses alcohol or is an alcoholic.
For those children, it is difficult to know where to turn for help. Young people who live within an alcoholic homes are at increased risk for a large range of illnesses such as headaches, ulcers, eating disorders, and emotional problems such as depression and anxiety, insomnia, and behavioral problems, as well as lower educational performance and susceptibility to alcoholism or other addiction later in life.
If you are a young person who is living within an alcoholic home, there are some things that you should know. First of all, you are not alone. Lots of young people are in your situation, and help is available. Talk with a trusted adult, someone who will listen to you and help you deal with your problems at home such as a teacher, a school counselor, a coach, a friend’s parent, a neighbor or a minister. Perhaps there is an Alateen, Al-Anon or Children of Alcoholics support group in your area that you could go to. Secondly, and most importantly, it is not your fault! You did not cause the problem; do not blame yourself. Alcoholism is a disease or an illness. You didn’t cause it, you can’t cure it, and you can’t control it.
Many adults may also be struggling with the effects of having grown up within an alcoholic home. Children of alcoholics come from all kinds of backgrounds and may feel alone in facing some of the problems that are common to children of alcoholics. COA’s face special risks and are more likely than others to become alcoholic themselves, marry alcoholics, or have problems related to their childhood. Some of these problems may include being unable to express or share feelings or things that are worrying them, being
unable to relax or have fun, being unable to trust people, therefore developing relationship problems, being overly responsible and controlling, being overly self critical or unable to accept praise, trying to fix all problems around them and taking responsibility for or blaming themselves if the problems can’t be fixed, over achieving or becoming a workaholic.
If this sounds familiar, you may want to seek help through a support group or contact our Call Center at 1.877.619.3761 to find out about counseling that may be available. Call for a listing of local support groups that are available or visit our website.