Alcoholism is undoubtedly a struggle for those that suffer from the chronic disease but it is also an equally challenging life battle for children who have grown up in homes with parents who were alcoholics. Many times, these children suffer behind the scenes and the ramifications of that life becomes apparent in adulthood.

Homelife for Children of Alcoholics

Chaos and dysfunction define the home lives of children who live in households with alcoholic parents. The imbalance it creates on one’s ability to conduct a normal daily life, like making it to work on time, having stable finances, or being engaged in social relationships, can greatly cause their family to suffer. Alcoholics can exhibit severe and unpredictable mood swings or lead to the depths of depression. This dysfunctional behavior in parents is, in turn, noticed by children. The constant exposure to such imbalances and instability can alter a child’s development as well as their transition to adulthood, and can many times be seen in their behavior patterns when they are adults.

Behaviors of Adults Children of Alcoholics

The multitude of negative manifestations that can appear later in life for these innocent lives is really a tragedy. They can be prone to establishing chronic obsessive behavior disorders. Because alcoholism, in itself, is considered a compulsive behavior, due to the fact that the individual that is plagued with the inability to stop taking in excessive amounts of alcohol. The children that have grown up watching this behavior as their form of “normal” can often end up themselves being victims of substance abuse.

How Alcoholic Parents Affect Adult Children

They may also be attracted to individuals that have a similar compulsive disorder and get themselves into toxic relationships. These compulsive disorders could be alcohol-related or related to another obsession, like gambling. Unless they recognize this and seek therapy, they may be looking at a potentially long life of co-dependency, dysfunction, and unhappiness.

They may also suffer from many mental debilitations, like anxiety or forms of depression, as a result of growing up in such an unstable environment. Their innate sensitivity to stress requires a closer look and a treatment plan that addresses mental discrepancies in order for them to live healthily and well-adjusted lives.

Finding Help for Adults with Scars from Family Alcoholism

Spouses, children, siblings; everyone in a family suffers along with the individual who has a substance dependence. When an individual has bottled up emotions and has lived for years under the stress of exposure to others with this disease, their development can be severely limited and stunted. Their mental illness can bleed over and become physical illness, and their quality of life can be severely damaged.

Speaking to a qualified therapist or seeking treatment in a reputable program may be a life-changing course of action for these individuals. When you are not only struggling with emotional psychological disorders but also substance abuse, the need to be immersed in a recovery program could be a lifesaver; literally.

You don’t have to live a life in the dark. Discovery Place provides many treatment programs in a scenic country setting. Our Tennessee-based recovery center can help you heal and begin living your best life. There is no better time than now to be healthy and happy. Contact us today at 1-800-725-0922, and speak to one of our friendly staff members who are here to talk to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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