The Influence of Parents Who Drink

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Addiction to alcohol is a serious, problematic disease that can have numerous harmful effects on the family. Because alcoholism is such a widespread disease, it is unfortunately common for children to grow up with one or both parents as alcoholics. SAMHSA's National Household Survey of 2001 showed that more than 6 million children lived with at least one parent who abused or was dependent on alcohol in the past year. This amounts to about 10 percent of kids younger than 5, 8 percent of children 6-11, and 9 percent of youth aged 12-17. Such a common, serious problem deserves more attention and treatment at the root of the problem - alcoholism. When someone is addicted to alcohol or drugs, the only way to truly recover from this disease is through a proven addiction treatment or recovery center like the Mark Houston Recovery Center. Our 90-day residential recovery program can help those with alcohol problems.

Effects of Alcoholic Parents on Their Children

Alcoholic parents can have serious harmful effects on the family. Another SAMHSA report shows that almost 5 million alcohol-dependent or alcohol-abusing parents have at least one child living at home with them. These parents were more likely to smoke cigarettes, use illicit drugs and report household turbulence than other parents. It goes without saying that the presence of an alcoholic parent in the house has negative effects on their children. Kids may often ask or even beg their parent(s) to stop drinking. When the parent doesn't stop, these kids can develop low self-esteem and role confusion. More psychological issues that may arise are impaired school performance and depression. Additionally, as a result of the behavioral consequences of living within an alcoholic family, children of alcoholics are at risk for abuse, eating disorders, problems with intimacy, and of course alcoholism. Many studies have shown that genetic factors can influence alcoholism. These findings maintain that children of alcoholics are about four times more likely than children of non-alcoholics to develop problems with drinking. "Children living in homes with alcohol-dependent or abusing parents are at high risk of also becoming alcohol and drug abusers, with the potential of perpetuating the disease when they have their own children," SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie has said. "The good news is children of alcoholic parents can be helped to build on their strengths and develop resilience to overcome their difficulties. We must also reach out to the parents and offer them an opportunity for recovery by encouraging them to enter and remain in substance abuse treatment."

Recovery from Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism is more responsible for family problems than any other single cause. SAMHSA estimates that 76 million American adults, or around 1/4 of the country's population, have been exposed to alcoholism in the family. Because of the prevalence of this problem, steps must be taken to educate the public about recovery and treatment options. In Texas, the Mark Houston Recovery Center can help those who are addicted to alcohol. Through our effective recovery program, residents will be able to rid themselves of their dependence on alcohol and make strides to get their life back on track.