Cole was born and raised in Lubbock and has been in recovery for over ten years, proving that you can get clean in the same town you live in. He is a proud graduate of the Lubbock County Drug Court program and advocates that Drug Courts work. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in social work from Texas Tech University. Cole has an inspirational wife, Veronica, and two beautiful children, Eliana and Wyatt. His focus in the company is to make sure that the activities stay true to the spirit of recovery and the mission and vision of the company.
Higher Risk of Alcohol Misuse
These relationships may feel “familiar” because they mimic the dynamics of their childhood home. As adults, reconciling the childhood perception of an alcoholic mother with the harsh reality of her addiction can be a profound and painful process. During childhood, children of alcoholic mothers often see their parent through a lens of unconditional love and dependency. They may excuse or rationalize their mother’s behavior, clinging to moments of kindness or stability as evidence of the relationship they wish they had.
My mother was a good mother…when she wasn’t drinking.
Siegel has written several other parenting books, all with excellent reviews, that are probably worth checking out as well. Adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) often face unique challenges when navigating social dynamics and authority structures. Their upbringing can shape how they perceive and respond to others in professional and personal contexts. ACOAs might struggle to acknowledge their own emotions or needs, having learned to suppress them in childhood. This avoidance can hinder personal growth and the formation of healthy relationships. If the parents are willing to participate in individual therapy, family therapy can help improve communication and understanding within the family.
PTSD in Children: Recognizing Symptoms and Providing Support
High-functioning alcoholic parents can still have a lasting impact on their child’s early development, resulting in a range of emotional, social, and psychological issues. Adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) are likelier to struggle with emotional regulation, mental health, self-esteem, trust issues, the need for control, and forming healthy relationships. If you grew up in a home with an alcoholic parent, there is a very good chance you experienced trauma, and your emotional, psychological, and physical well-being may have been affected.
The 6 Stages of Mental Health Recovery
Understanding how alcoholism affects families is crucial for how alcoholic parents affect their children providing support. To learn more about how alcohol use impacts family dynamics, visit How Alcoholism Affects Family Dynamics. An unpredictable and unreliable environment can cause a child to feel unsafe in their own home. They may feel trapped and unable to escape the pain caused by their parent’s addiction to alcohol. Children may blame themselves for their needs not having been met, which can lead to feelings of shame and unworthiness. In addition, increased difficulties in academic and social settings can be the result of this kind of environment.
- This can include anything from inconsistent rules to a lack of privacy, to unwanted physical touching.
- After years of being the perfect, rule-following kid, I went a bit wild and did the common party thing in college.
- Difficulty regulating emotions, an inability to assert personal needs, and challenges in forming healthy relationships are all common outcomes.
- By being honest with oneself and acknowledging the effect pain has had, children of alcoholic parents can let go and move forward.
- Setting and enforcing healthy boundaries is also critical to healing, as one can fight off anyone who would interfere with your healing.
Physical violence, Alcoholics Anonymous emotional abuse, and neglect are unfortunately common in homes affected by alcoholism. These traumatic experiences can have long-lasting effects on ACOAs’ mental health and relationships. Growing up with an alcoholic father can severely affect a child’s mental health.
You’re incredibly hard on yourself and struggle to forgive or love yourself. During childhood, you came to believe that you’re fundamentally flawed, and the cause of the family dysfunction. Many ACOAs are very successful, hard-working, and goal-driven.Some struggle with alcohol or other addictions themselves. Contact us today to schedule an initial assessment or to learn more about our services.
While some adult children of alcoholics may experience some or all of these effects, there are many other ways that your life might be impacted by growing up with an alcoholic parent. Growing up with an alcoholic parent, whether it’s mom or dad or both parents, can have a profound and long-lasting impact on children. Children of alcoholics (COAs) can experience various challenges regarding emotional, psychological, and social development.
The platform provides reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities. Its purpose is to educate, support, and empower people in their pursuit of well-being. Individuals are encouraged to consult their local Mental Health America Affiliate Resource Center to find specific support groups near them. There are also online support groups available on social media for those who grew up in alcoholic homes. These perceptions shape how these children view themselves and the world. They may feel unworthy of love or assume they must earn affection through perfection or overachievement.
