Alcohol and Children

Today according to a 2011 UNICEF Ireland Report, 587,000 children are 'at risk' due to parents' drinking, over 50% under the age of 15.

According to the report, Suffer the Children, from UK addiction specialists, the Priory Group, there is a widespread misconception that addiction is all about the addict and that they are the only ones who suffer. However the reality is that alcoholism affects the entire family, particularly the children.

A short Unicef animation on a Child's Right to a Protective Environment. To view this video you will need Realplayer. Download Realplayer here.

Alcohol Abuse - a Mulitgenerational Issue

Alcohol abuse is a multigenerational issue - generation after generation, children of alcoholics suffer from and, as adults, frequently perpetuate destructive family systems.

Risks for Children

Having an alcoholic parent increases a child's risk for multiple negative behavioural and developmental outcomes. That increased risk is conveyed through social, emotional, environmental, and biological pathways. Many research studies have focused on the rates of alcohol and drug use and abuse among children of alcoholics, and most have concluded that as a group they are significantly more vulnerable to substance abuse problems than their peers from non-alcoholic families.

A survey conducted by Johns Hopkins University, USA showed that children of a parent with active alcohol dependence initiated use of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana earlier than children who did not have an alcohol-dependent parent.

There can be a genetic component to alcoholism, which means that children of alcoholics are at an increased risk in developing alcoholism.

Differences in Children - Resilience

While children growing up in alcoholic families are affected by their surroundings, not all of them develop alcoholism or other dysfunctional coping mechanisms. Many grow up into healthy, functioning adults.

Where do the differences lie between children that cope in later life and those that experience problems? Research seems to show that resilience is key. If that's the case then how can we help foster resilience in children?

Nurturing Resilience in Children

From research it has been seen that among the shared characteristics of "resilient" children are adequate communication skills, average intelligence, a desire to achieve, and the ability to get positive attention from other people. (1) Those that had effectively coped with the trauma of growing up with an alcoholic parent and grew to be competent adults had relied on more sources of support in their childhood than did those offspring of alcoholics with coping problems.(2)

In a separate 3-year study of 267 adolescents, including 127 children of alcoholics, self-awareness, a perceived control over one's environment and the possession of cognitive coping skills were all identified as having a buffering effect against potential negative consequences associated with having an alcoholic parent.(3) In light of this research it would appear that helping children develop resilience is a critical intervention goal.

'Life Skills'' Schoolbased Programme for Children 'at risk'

Children of alcoholics' (COAs) family dysfunctionality places them at high risk for adverse academic, physiological, emotional, and social consequences. That said, children can be supported and helped regardless of changes in the drinking behaviour of parents.

The Hanly Centre runs a school-based prevention intervention which is designed for children at risk such as those known to live in alcoholic homes. The programme offers them the opportunity to gain self-efficacy through education about alcoholism/dysfunctional behaviours and their effects on the family as well as group exercises that allow participants to recognize and express their feelings and to practice problem-solving, stress-management, and alcohol-refusal skills. Core elements include skill building in the areas of coping and social competence, social support, an outlet for the safe expression of feelings, and promoting healthy alternative activities.

This programme is also suitable for children living in households where dysfunctional family dynamics are present other than alcohol.

Please email the Hanly Centre for further information.

References

1.J. Stud. Alcohol. 1986;47:34-40.

2.Subst. Use Misuse 2004;39:699-720

3.J. Stud. Alcohol 1997;58:272-9