Adult Children of Alcoholics: Comparing ACOAs and Non-ACOAs

Introduction and Background

The family is one of the most important institutions in society today. It is within our families that we develop ourselves and begin the journeys we take in life. The upbringing of each family member depends largely on the psychological nature of the other members, who can influence or cause effects on one another — most significantly, the parents.

Among the problems that threaten family stability is alcoholism. Alcoholism by a family member subjects the other members to diverse and far-reaching effects. Frequently, alcoholism is the root cause of various dilemmas a family encounters, including misunderstandings and miscommunications, rebellion by other family members, problems in social relationships, and personal emotional difficulties.

This study aims to provide information and analysis on the subject of parental alcoholism, focusing on its effects and consequences on adult children. To provide a basis for this study, a comparison and analysis of adult children with alcoholic parents (ACOAs) and those with non-alcoholic parents is a major component. Further, to present concrete data for analysis, the results of a survey conducted on college students will be discussed.

Parental alcoholism is a problem not specific to any one society — it is a challenge faced by many families worldwide. Different cultures in which parental alcoholism exists may experience diverse effects. To present a general view of its consequences, this study also incorporates multicultural aspects of the subject.

Adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) have been the subject of many research studies, primarily within the broader area of alcoholism research. In recent decades, attention has extended beyond the alcoholic individual to those surrounding them, in order to analyze the effects that alcoholism may cause on others. Colina, Reilley, and Langmeyer, in their study Adult Children of Alcoholics and the Need for Interpersonal Control, note that adult children of alcoholics — individuals eighteen years of age and older who grew up in a family containing one or more alcoholic parents — have received a great deal of attention in recent years. It is estimated that 28 million Americans are ACOAs (Cermark & Rosenfield, 1987).

As with many prior studies on adult children of alcoholics, this paper aims to contribute to the body of knowledge that may further analysis and help provide solutions for the effects of parental alcoholism on adult children.

Alcoholism is an illness characterized by habitual and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Lack of self-control, failure to limit alcohol intake, and abuse of alcoholic beverages are hallmarks of alcoholism. Genetic heredity and life stressors are two common factors that contribute to its development.

Alcoholism is a family-disrupting element that causes a significant proportion of children to suffer from living with alcoholic parents. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), based on Russell's Children of Alcoholics: A Review of the Literature, estimates that approximately 6.6 million children under the age of 18 in the United States live in households with at least one alcoholic parent.

In the United Kingdom, according to Richard Velleman in The Children of Problem Drinking Parents, surveys show that 2 million adults are addicted to excessive drinking — and for each adult affected, there is approximately one child who suffers the consequences of that alcoholism.

Alcoholism can be a hereditary illness. Research and statistics indicate that children of alcoholic parents are more likely to become alcoholic themselves, or to become involved in other addictions such as drug abuse, during their adult lives. Beyond the damage alcoholism causes within a family, its effects extend to numerous individual and personal problems for family members, including psychological and emotional difficulties in individuals who are vulnerable to the social stigmas surrounding alcoholism.

The effect of alcoholism is often most visible during an affected child's adolescence — the period when the capacity for mature social interaction begins to develop, and when attitudes toward other people and the surrounding environment begin to take shape.

Most research and studies analyzing the causes and effects of parental alcoholism employ adult children as subjects. From diverse analyses completed by psychologists and mental health professionals, results have consistently shown that adult children of alcoholics are at high risk of experiencing physical, psychological, and emotional problems. Most serious among these are the psychological and emotional effects, which may persist throughout an adult child's lifetime and are found to be destructive to a child's healthy growth and development.

Situations and Behaviors of Children with Alcoholic Parents

While diverse studies continue to analyze the effects of parental alcoholism, many aspects still require consideration. Many ACOAs share similar experiences, and therefore also share similar behaviors and personalities. Studies comparing ACOAs and non-ACOAs aim to determine the full impact of parental alcoholism; non-ACOAs serve as the baseline reference for normal behavioral patterns. Although some studies indicate differences between the two groups, others suggest that psychological and behavioral elements are not necessarily dependent on parental alcoholism.

Organizations devoted to the study and support of ACOAs have been established worldwide. Such institutions provide various programs and protections for children and adult children of alcoholics, while also contributing to medical disciplines through analysis of the diverse effects of being raised in an alcoholic environment. One organization devoted to ACOAs is the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA), whose guiding dictum states: No child of an alcoholic should grow up in isolation and without support. NACoA is a collaboration of various organizations advocating for ACOAs, supported by both private and federal entities.

A home with alcoholic parents often lacks the necessary guidance and support that serve as the building blocks of a successful family. It is the responsibility of parents to establish such foundations; however, in a home affected by parental alcoholism, that responsibility is frequently unfulfilled.

The consequences of parental alcoholism may produce long-term effects on adult children, especially those who witnessed it during childhood. Often, the behavioral patterns they develop as defense mechanisms in childhood are retained into adulthood. Early exposure to parental alcoholism, combined with its cumulative effects, places children at greater risk of vulnerability across the situations they face from childhood into adult life.

Children of alcoholics often face situations that undermine their sense of self-worth. Most frequently, the problems they encounter stem from their own negative feelings and self-perceptions. They tend to be judgmental of themselves and are often paranoid about how others perceive them because of their unstable family situation. Children of alcoholics are inclined to compare themselves with children of non-alcoholics, and because of their low self-esteem, these comparisons tend to amplify their negative self-views. Consequently, they often become more passive in social relationships.

In academic settings, some adult children of alcoholics strive for perfection and responsibility in their school performance. Research shows that this behavior functions as a defense mechanism — a way for adult children to counteract how others might perceive them as members of a family affected by alcoholism. They often seek positive impressions from others to offset the negative impact of their family environment. As Steve Frisch, a mental health clinical psychologist, quotes from an adult child of alcoholic parents in his book Adult Children of Alcoholics:

"We have feelings of low self-esteem that cause us to judge ourselves and others without mercy. We cover up or compensate by trying to be perfect, take responsibility for others, attempt to control the outcome of unpredictable events, get angry when things don't go our way, or gossip instead of confronting an issue."

In peer relationships, some adult children of alcoholics take on the role of confidant and problem-solver for others. Some try to conceal their family situation by not inviting friends to their home. Denial often becomes the default response to family problems. Embarrassed by the reality of their home life, they tend to pretend that nothing is wrong. Constant exposure to such circumstances can lead to an inability, persisting into adulthood, to confront problems honestly — using denial as a coping mechanism in times of crisis.

Among the common experiences ACOAs share, the most prevalent situation is witnessing arguments and miscommunications between parents. This experience is often the most damaging, as it allows ACOAs to observe the gradual disintegration of their family. Over time, the struggle of regularly witnessing parental disputes causes the ACOA to feel ashamed, which can lead to self-isolation. A family that lacks healthy interaction and communication may push an emotionally sensitive ACOA to seek attention through trouble and misconduct. When such behaviors go unaddressed, the risk of delinquency increases, sometimes resulting in harm to others or to the ACOA himself.

In intimate relationships, ACOAs who become alcoholic themselves often partner with individuals who are also alcoholic or substance-dependent. Research suggests this pattern reflects the tendency to seek companionship with others who share similar crises. In cases where an ACOA has not developed alcoholism, he or she may instead feel a desperate need to build and maintain a successful family — a defense mechanism against having never experienced a functional one. Not wanting to repeat the familial dysfunction of childhood, the ACOA may become overly anxious about intimate and family relationships, which in turn can paradoxically generate more relationship difficulties.

Comparing the behavior of adult children with alcoholic parents to that of adult children with non-alcoholic parents, adult children of alcoholics show indications of unusual behavior and attitudes. Studies have identified the following common behavior and personality patterns among adolescents in this group:

The responsible but isolated behavior. This pattern describes a child who assumes the responsibilities the alcoholic parent fails to fulfill — such as caring for the family's needs or looking after siblings. Outside the home, this child often becomes active and takes on leadership roles. However, these responsibilities come at the cost of social relationships. This behavior causes the child to mature earlier than peers from non-alcoholic families.

The adjusting behavior. This pattern describes a child who adapts easily to circumstances and follows instructions well, but consequently develops a weak sense of personal responsibility. Such behavior may reflect the child's deep-seated respect for parents despite their failures, but it results in difficulty taking initiative and accepting accountability.

Strong relationships with others outside the family. This pattern describes an adolescent with an alcoholic parent who forms close bonds with people outside the family. The emotional separation caused by family dysfunction leads the adolescent to redirect attention, care, and companionship toward peers.

From these behavioral patterns arise a number of common disorders that disrupt a child's healthy development. Beyond the environmental influence of an alcoholic parent, family disharmony serves as a contributing factor in the development of physical, psychological, and emotional disorders. The following, cited in Alcohol Health, are typically visible during adolescence, when a child begins meaningful social interaction with others. These disorders may hinder social relationships, preventing a child or adult from "coming out of his shell" — in contrast to the normal developmental trajectory of children from non-alcoholic families.

Conduct Disorders. Conduct disorder in adolescents is often caused by the effects of parental alcoholism, such as parental neglect, financial hardship due to addiction, and domestic relationship conflicts. The accumulation of such problems can result in misconduct and rebellion.

Substance Abuse. Exposure to a parent's excessive alcohol consumption may influence a child's own relationship with alcohol and other substances as they grow older. Studies indicate that drug abuse is frequently linked to the effects and influences of parental alcoholism.

Hypotheses and Significance of the Study

Emotional Disorders. Stress, anxiety, and depression are among the emotional disorders resulting from parental alcoholism. Family-related pressure can cause children to break down in their normal functioning and develop abnormal emotional responses to circumstances.

Cognitive and Neuropsychological Functioning. Alcohol Health reports that research has found the intellectual ability of children of alcoholics to be negatively affected. Their psychological functioning — particularly verbal ability and reasoning — was found to be impaired, which may further damage their behavior and self-esteem.

The following behavioral commonalities among adult children of alcoholic parents have also been identified:

Alcoholism places many risks on the lives of children living with alcoholic parents. In the United States, agencies that advocate for children of alcoholic parents devote extensive attention to adolescent development as a key period for disorder prevention and for helping children cope with the unwanted consequences of parental alcoholism.

The behavior patterns of children of alcoholics have been the focus of many studies on families with alcoholic parents. Identifying the causes and effects of living with alcoholic parents requires analysis of the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of both the alcoholic parents and their children. Previous studies on ACOAs have revealed common characteristics shared among this group — all resulting from the dysfunctional families they inhabit due to parental alcoholism. Because of these shared circumstances, similar social reactions, and similar family dynamics, most ACOAs demonstrate comparable behavioral patterns.

This paper aims to examine whether parental alcoholism genuinely causes negative effects on the emotional and psychological behaviors of ACOAs, and whether the results of the survey conducted for this study support existing research on ACOA behavior. The following hypotheses, derived from prior research, guide this study:

Hypothesis 1: Comparison of adult children of alcoholics and adult children of non-alcoholics to determine any significant differences in social and intimate relationships that exist between the two groups.

Of all the elements affected by being raised in an alcoholic environment, behavior in social and intimate relationships is among the most impacted. To allow for a more concrete indication of behavioral irregularities in ACOAs, a comparison between ACOAs and adult children of non-alcoholic parents is included. This process aims to assist future studies in exploring solutions that may help ACOAs overcome the negative consequences of parental alcoholism.