Alcoholism is a widespread problem in the United States. It is estimated that over 18 million adult Americans abuse alcohol and more than 9 million children under the age of 18 are being raised by one or more parents who are alcoholics (http://ncadd.org/facts/numberoneprob.html). The debilitating effects of alcoholism are not confined to the addict alone. The family suffers, physically, and emotionally, and it is the children who are the most tragic victims. These children are the unwilling victims of a disease, which generally is the center of their childhood existence, and therefore shapes their personality and behavior as adults (Geringer Woititz, 1983 p. 35).
Alcoholic parents have a negative effect on their children in a number of ways. The effects of alcoholism often undermine their parenting skills (Windle, 1996, p. 181). Excessive drinking can lead to inconsistent parenting behavior such as overreacting or becoming over indulgent to a child who misbehaves. They fail to monitor their children by neglecting to establish rules and limitations on proper and improper behavior, as well as consistency for the children. Also, alcoholic parents do not consistently nurture their children and often do not provide quality time for their children. These parents often times, offer high levels of criticism and hostility as well as exert harsh punishment and can be easily provoked, leading to possible physical abuse. .
By adolescence, these children have been greatly affected by the alcoholic parent and their inadequate parenting skills. Children raised in alcoholic families often take on various roles or personality traits within the family structure. These roles aid the child in developing special strengths within the child, but also "hide the scars" these children develop (Geringer Woititz, 1983, p. 10-17). These roles are defined as:.
The Caretaker or the Responsible Child - these children take on adult roles and provide care for the parents or siblings.
