One in every four kids is growing up in a home with a person who is addicted to alcohol. This conclusion was drawn by the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) . From all indications, the ramifications are quite harsh.
Mary Beth Collins, program and operations director of the NACoA, says,
“There’s been some important research done in the last 20 years that’s really identified the trauma and stress on the developing brain of children who live in this type of environment and what it does to them throughout their life.”
Growing up with an alcoholic parent means growing up in chaos and not knowing what to expect. As a loved one, friend or neighbor of a child of an alcoholic, you can often feel helpless in trying to make things better. But there are some things that you can still do about it.
Research shows that it only takes one caring adult to change the path of a child’s life. You can talk to the child for a few minutes every day, or send letters if you live too far. If you’re a teacher or a coach, you can create a positive environment for the child.
“Our interaction with the child can make a difference,” says Collins . “It’s the demonstration of healthy living and self-talk that can be life-altering for someone.”
Providing basic information about alcoholism can make an impact on the child. Teach them that it is a disease that has nothing to do with them. This will assure them that they’re not to blame for their parent’s behavior. NACoA suggests explaining these ideas to small children in the following ways:
Alcoholism is a sickness.
You can’t make it better.
You deserve help for yourself.
We have your back.
There are people and places that can help.
Reaching out to someone who is actually in a role to do something is one of the best things you can do for the child of an alcoholic. Contact a support group, school guidance counselor, etc. “Pass it on to someone in a position to help the child,” says Collins. “They may be the one person who makes all the difference in their life.”
You can start with The National Association for Children of Alcoholics for example. If you are such a child yourself, you could find support in Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization.
