A Family Problem: The Effects of Parental Alcohol on Children

Alcohol misuse does not just adversely affect individual who uses alcohol, but also family system where the individual live in. Because of dysfunctionalities of people with alcohol problem such as lack of responsibility and disruption in roles, family home environment may become more chaotic and unstable. In these conditions, non-alcoholic family members may develop problems as well. In the present review, it is aimed to examine how the alcoholic parents influence their children in means of psychosocial and behavioral outcomes. Family is the most important factor for children socialization process and positive family environment is necessary for children’s well-being. Children learn and develop some basic skills such as sense of self, coping strategies and how to regulate their emotions in family environment thanks to their parents. By examining the effects on children of alcoholic parents (CoAs) and by being aware of risk and protective factors, those children’s wellbeing can be protected. To know damages parental alcohol abuse on the family and how resiliency might be enhanced, the importance of a family centered preventions and treatments to protect family peace is increased.