National Children of Alcoholics Week
February 9-15, 2003

Most people are aware of the devastating effects of alcoholism. However, many people may not fully realize how damaging alcoholism can be for the entire family. To bring attention to this important issue, February 9-15 has been designated as National Children of Alcoholics Week.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of having a parent who abuses alcohol. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 43 percent of adult Americans have been exposed to alcoholism in their families, and 11 million children have a parent who abuses alcohol. In addition, children who come from households with parents who abuse alcohol are more likely to be victims of abuse or to witness domestic violence. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has found that children with parents who abuse alcohol are more likely than other children to begin drinking during adolescence. They are also more likely to develop an alcohol-related disorder. This may be due to a combination of genetics and modeling behaviors.

Some children with parents who abuse alcohol also suffer from the effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or Fetal Alcohol Exposure (FAE). FAS and FAE occur when a woman uses alcohol during pregnancy. The effects of alcohol use during pregnancy can be permanent and irreversible. According to the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, children with FAS have distinctive facial abnormalities, as well as mental and behavioral disabilities. The symptoms of FAE and FAS are similar, but, as the NIAAA explains, FAE is usually diagnosed when the facial abnormalities seen in FAS are absent. However, the impairment to mental and behavioral functions in children with FAE is often as severe as that seen in children with FAS.

Children with parents who abuse alcohol are more likely to experience mental health problems than children from non-alcoholic families. Children of alcoholic families also exhibit more symptoms of depression and anxiety; display more behavioral disorders; have more difficulties in school; appear to have lower self-esteem in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood; and have higher health care costs related to physical and mental health problems (National Association for Children of Alcoholics).

Children with parents who abuse alcohol should be made to understand that they are not to blame for their parent's alcohol use and related behavior. Children and teens can get support by contacting Al-Anon/Alateen at 1-800-344-2666. To obtain additional information on alcohol and its effects on both children and adults, contact the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) at 1-800-729-6686.