Within the depths of countless households around the world, a quiet battle rages on, often hidden from prying eyes. The term “Adult Children of Alcoholics” (ACoA) encapsulates a group of individuals who have grown up in the shadow of alcoholism, enduring unique challenges and emotional complexities. While society often focuses on the individuals afflicted by addiction, the impact on their children is an equally critical aspect that warrants our attention and understanding.

The term Adult Children of Alcoholics encompasses a wide range of experiences, from those who witnessed sporadic instances of excessive drinking to those who were raised in homes where alcohol permeated every aspect of their daily lives. The influence of growing up with an alcoholic parent can manifest in various ways, leaving lasting imprints on individuals’ emotional, psychological, and social development.

At AspenRidge, a leading alcohol rehab center in Denver, we understand addiction’s complexity and the challenges families face when trying to help their loved ones.

In this article, we will delve into the intricate world of Adult Children of Alcoholics, exploring the distinctive struggles they face, the common traits they share, and the pathways to healing and resilience they can embark upon. By shedding light on this often-overlooked population, we hope to foster empathy, awareness, and support for those affected, ultimately leading to a more compassionate and understanding society.

Being the Child of an Alcoholic is Both Difficult and Chaotic

There may have been domestic violence, emotional abuse, or neglect. At its best, childhood may have been unpredictable. The trauma of childhood is extremely impactful and has an effect on adulthood. As adults, many seek help as they find themselves having difficulty with relationships, or they themselves struggle with substance abuse issues. That being said, in the 1970s, Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA and ACoA) began as “Post Teen” in Long Island.Today, “Adult Children of Alcoholics is a recovery program for adults whose lives were affected as a result of being raised in an alcoholic or other dysfunctional family. It is based on the success of Alcoholics Anonymous and employs its version of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.” Similar to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the ACoA has taken the Twelve Step and Twelve Tradition model and altered it to suite the needs of the organization.

Adult Children of Alcoholics: “Will I Be an Alcoholic Too?”

Adult children of alcoholics have traits that may contribute to alcoholism. According to a report examining studies about family and alcohol abuse, college students are more likely to engage in risky drinking when their family had a history of alcohol abuse. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says that “Many scientific studies, including research conducted among twins and children of alcoholics, have shown that genetic factors influence alcoholism. These findings show that children of alcoholics are about four times more likely than the general population to develop alcohol problems. Children of alcoholics also have a higher risk for many other behavioral and emotional problems. But alcoholism is not determined only by the genes you inherit from your parents. In fact, more than one–half of all children of alcoholics do not become alcoholic. Research shows that many factors influence your risk of developing alcoholism.” As an adult child of alcoholic parents, your likelihood of abusing alcohol may be increased if:

• Your alcoholic parent suffers from depression or another co-occurring disorder.
• Both your parents abused alcohol or drugs.
• The alcohol abuse taking place in your household was severe.
• Violence or neglect took place due to alcoholism or problems stemming from alcohol use.

Thankfully, therapies do exist that take these past issues into consideration. A great rehab program will give you the tools you need to overcome and cope with your past.

Understanding Adult Children of Alcoholics

Definition and characteristics of ACoA:

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACoA) refers to individuals who grew up in households where one or both parents struggled with alcoholism. These individuals experienced unique challenges due to the chaotic and unpredictable environment created by alcohol abuse. ACoA may have witnessed verbal or physical abuse, neglect, financial instability, and emotional turmoil, all of which can deeply impact their development.

ACoA often exhibit certain common characteristics. They may struggle with low self-esteem, feeling unworthy or undeserving of love and respect. They may experience difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships, plagued by trust issues and fear of abandonment. Additionally, ACoA may exhibit perfectionist tendencies, as they often felt the need to be “perfect” to gain approval or avoid conflict in their volatile households.

Prevalence and scope of the issue:

The prevalence of ACoA is significant, as alcoholism affects millions of families worldwide. According to research, it is estimated that around 28 million adults in the United States alone have grown up with an alcoholic parent. This staggering number highlights the far-reaching impact of alcoholism on children and emphasizes the need for awareness and support for ACoA.

The scope of the issue goes beyond geographical boundaries, cultural differences, and socioeconomic status. ACoA can be found in all walks of life, facing similar challenges regardless of their background. It is crucial to recognize that the effects of growing up in an alcoholic household can extend well into adulthood, impacting various aspects of an individual’s life, including their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Impact of growing up with alcoholic parents on ACoA:

Growing up with alcoholic parents can have a profound impact on ACoA. The emotional and psychological toll of living in an unstable and unpredictable environment can lead to long-lasting consequences. ACoA may develop a range of emotional struggles, such as anxiety, depression, and difficulty regulating their emotions.

The experience of witnessing and navigating the chaos of addiction can also shape the way ACoA perceive relationships. They may struggle with trust, intimacy, and vulnerability, fearing abandonment or rejection. Additionally, ACoA may internalize feelings of shame and guilt, erroneously believing that they are somehow responsible for their parent’s alcoholism.

Understanding the unique challenges faced by ACoA is essential in providing them with the support and resources they need to heal and break the cycle. By acknowledging the impact of growing up in an alcoholic household, we can work towards creating a more empathetic and understanding society that fosters the well-being and resilience of ACoA.

Emotional and Psychological Challenges

Growing up in an alcoholic household exposes ACoA to a myriad of emotional and psychological challenges. These difficulties can have a lasting impact on their well-being and shape their approach to life and relationships. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Effects of living in an alcoholic household:

• Constant fear and anxiety: ACoA often experience a pervasive sense of fear and hypervigilance due to the unpredictability and volatility of their environment.
• Emotional neglect: The emotional needs of ACoA may be neglected as their parents’ focus is often directed towards alcohol consumption or their own struggles.
• Lack of stability: ACoA may grow up without consistent routines or a stable home environment, which can lead to a sense of insecurity and difficulty in establishing a sense of normalcy.

Common emotional struggles and coping mechanisms:

• Low self-esteem: ACoA may struggle with feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness, and self-doubt due to the inconsistent validation and attention received during their formative years.
• Difficulty with trust: Trust issues are common among ACoA, as they have experienced broken promises, lies, and emotional manipulation within their familial relationships.
• Co-dependency: ACoA may develop co-dependent tendencies, seeking validation and acceptance from others, and often prioritizing others’ needs over their own.

Relationship patterns and trust issues:

• Fear of intimacy: ACoA may have difficulty forming deep and trusting connections with others, fearing vulnerability and potential emotional harm.
• Patterns of enabling: ACoA may find themselves caught in patterns of enabling others, repeating the cycle of dysfunction they witnessed in their alcoholic households.
• Challenges in setting boundaries: ACoA may struggle with setting and maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships, often sacrificing their own well-being to avoid conflict or abandonment.

Understanding these emotional and psychological challenges is vital in providing appropriate support and intervention for ACoA. By acknowledging their struggles, we can empower ACoA to embark on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and resilience.

Denver Alcohol Rehab At AspenRidge

We want to get help for our loved ones living with alcohol use disorder; however, some may refuse service. Although it might not be easy, helping your loved ones into rehab for treatment is possible. In addition, there are States with involuntary commitment laws that help to protect these individuals from these behaviors.

The Joint Commission also certifies our center and our licensed counselors are trained in substance misuse and addiction. We offer the following programs:

• Day Program Day Program
• Day 5-Day IOP
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Outpatient Program

We can help guide you through the different stages of alcohol rehab and the next steps. It’s also critical to understand that treatment is different for everyone; therefore, a tailored treatment approach is important. Contact us today for more information about Denver alcohol rehabilitation at 855-281-5588.