| Adult Children of Alcoholics ... |
Children raised in a home with one or both parents alcoholic, reach adulthood
facing troublesome obstacles.
The alcoholic home is often filled with physical, verbal, and emotional abuse that leaves lasting effects on adult children.
A parent preoccupied with alcohol addiction generally does not have time to invest
in the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of their child.
As a result, when these children become adults they discover ways to compensate for what's missing.
Dr. Janet G. Wotitz, in her New York Times best seller, Adult Children of
Alcoholics, developed a list of the common characteristics of adult children of
alcoholics. The following list is an adaption. (ACOA = Adult Children of
Alcoholics)
- ACOAs often guess at what is normal behavior.
- ACOAs often have difficulty finishing a project.
- ACOAs may lie when telling the truth would be just as easy.
- ACOAs tend to judge themselves without mercy.
- ACOAs may have difficulty having fun.
- ACOAs often take themselves very seriously.
- ACOAs tend to have difficulty with intimate relationships.
- ACOAs may overreact to changes over which they have no control.
- ACOAs constantly seek approval and affirmation.
- ACOAs usually feel they are different from other people.
- ACOAs tend to be super responsible or super irresponsible.
- ACOAs are often very loyal, even when evidence shows the loyalty is undeserved.
- ACOAs are often impulsive; missing options and dealing with bad consequences.
"I never knew what to expect from dad when he was drinking. One minute he could be laughing
and clowning around and the next minute he'd have you pinned in the corner; yelling and spitting
in your face and accusing you of something. It was crazy at our house." 41 year old ACOA
If you can relate to a number of items on this list you may wish to talk to a
professional counselor who specializes in this area. The pain of growing up
in an alcoholic home lingers long into adulthood and significantly impacts:
- Self-esteem
- Relationships
- Occupational choices
- Spirituality
- Parenting
- Predisposition to substance abuse
Help is available and real change is possible. Call us at 614.888.9200
for more information on how we can assist you in overcoming obstacles
from your past.
The information on this page is general in nature and not
intended as a substitute for a professional clinical evaluation.
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