The impact of growing up in an alcoholic family can be considerable. Life in these homes is often characterized by dysfunction, emotional deprivation, lack of trust, and the shame and secrecy associated with the alcoholic’s unpredictable moods or behavior.
Fear, frustration, and anger often give way to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Children growing up in such family environments often question their own self-worth and their ability to control their own lives. They may be confused about what they feel or whether they are entitled to have feelings at all. Close relationships with others later in life frequently reflect these early strains.
How Therapy Helps
Whether in group or individual sessions, psychotherapy helps those who have grown up in alcoholic homes to lessen the negative impact of the past. Through this work, clients learn more about their own needs and how to get them met, develop stronger boundaries, and learn how to form more secure, fulfilling relationships.
Recovery for Substance Users who Grew Up with Alcoholic Parents
For the substance abuser who grew up in an alcoholic family addressing unresolved childhood dynamics can be a critical part of maintaining progress. Exploring the roots of current patterns —- especially those shaped by early chaos -— often adds depth and strength to later stages of recovery.
Choosing the Right Therapist
Finding a therapist who feels like a good match is the first step to creating a trusting relationship. Experience working with ACOAs is important, as well as a history of teaching, training, and supervising others who work with this population through books about ACOAs, ACOA-related articles, and lectures.
Support for Ongoing Family Concerns
In some cases, clients may wish to address concerns related to a parent who is still drinking, or a spouse’s drinking may ignite fear of living once again with painful, familiar struggles of the past. A therapist specializing in alcoholism treatment and the impact of substance abuse issues on the family may, at times, also be helpful when intervention with an alcoholic family member is desired.