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FACT SHEET ON THE CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLIC
FAMILIES
DID YOU KNOW THAT?
18% of Americans grew up living with an alcoholic or
problem drinker. (The Record, October 1, 1991).
Nearly 10% of adults have been married to or had a marriagelike relationship
with an alcoholic or problem drinker (Record).
50% to 60% of all alcoholics have at least one alcoholic parent (Newsweek 1979).
In 90% of reported child abuse cases, alcoholism is indicated (Borders 1974).
Children with alcoholic parents are twice as likely to become alcoholic
themselves as children from nonalcoholic families (Globetti 1973).
Children of alcoholics were seen, on the average, twice as many times by school
psychologists or counselors than children of nonalcoholic parents. These
children were more likely to be suspended from school and three times more
likely to be expelled. (Miller & Jang 1977)
In younger children from alcoholic homes, there is a higher frequency of
stuttering, unreasonable fears, bedwetting and temper tantrums (Fox 1968, Cork
1969, Wein 1970, Globetti 1973, Borders 1974 and Fine 1975).
The younger the child the more severe the pathology (rage, shame, confusion,
guilt, fear and worry are typical feelings), when active alcoholism is prevalent
(Stone & Small 1978).
Children from alcoholic multiproblem families are more likely to fail in
marriage, employment and their ability to support themselves (Miller & Jang
1977).
In all areas of family problems; placement, runaways, dropout due to pregnancy,
mental neglect, delinquent behavior, children of alcoholic parents have a
significantly higher incidence of involvement (Stone 1977).
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