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Addiction (Expert Forum)
RE: Adult Children of Alcoholics
Questions in the Addiction forum are answered by a medical expert.
RE: Adult Children of Alcoholics
by Barb-Phelps, Jun 08, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Barb Phelps on June 08, 1999 at 11:34:54
Do Adult Children of Alcoholics have a higher divorce rate? Are they more likely to become chronically depressed? What help can you offer someone who suffers from depression and is at risk of losing their family as a result of their actions?
Posted by Rob Schneider, EdD, HVMA on June 08, 1999 at 13:52:23
The research is very clear that children of alcoholics are at greater risk for developing problems with alcohol. However, the research on adult children of alcoholics is otherwise fairly mixed. It’s not clear whether being an ACOA puts you at higher risk for other psychiatric problems. I know this is somewhat at odds with some of the popular books on ACOAs. I think there are several confounding issues that make growing up with alcoholism a different experience for different people. For instance, how severe was the drinking, did both parents drink, how old were you when the drinking occurred, and so on.
However, from what little you’ve said, I don’t think it matters much what role your ACOA status is playing in your depression. The reality is you’re depressed and should see a professional who can diagnose and treat you appropriately. Depression is quite treatable these days with medication and cognitive-behavior techniques. Even the stigma, which inhibited people in the past from seeking help, is lifting considerably. We all have vulnerabilities to one health problem or another: hypertension, anxiety, diabetes as well as depression. So please don’t feel guilty and the need to take care of it yourself. There’s help available that is safe and can make your life much more enjoyable, not to mention the difference it could make for your family. Go for it.
