Expert: Druideck - 1/4/2009

Question
It is well known having alcoholic parents can affect a child's health. Neither of my parents are alcoholics, but both my parent's father's were recovering alcoholics. Besides hereditary of alcoholism, what affects could this have on me & my siblings physically/mentally?

Thank you in advance for your response.

Answer
Kay,

if your parent's fathers were alcoholics
then your parents, siblings and you could be
affected in various ways.
The effects of alcoholism on families
are best defined by the characteristics
of "adult children" of alcoholics.
They are listed here:
http://acainnerpeace.ncf.ca/charac.htm
and here:
http://www.adultchildren.org/lit/Problem.s

Also the characteristics of codependence
might be present which is in some ways
similar to "adult children"
See here:
http://www.soulselfhelp.on.ca/CodependantP.html

The fix for these behaviour patterns
is attending groups like ACOA/ACA and Al-Anon.
Also much reading, praying and meditating
can be helpful in making changes to ones life.

It is also common for spouses and children
of alcoholics to connect with other
alcoholics in their relationships or
become addicted to alcohol as well.
The patterns of living although bad
feel "normal" to them. The patterns learned
through disfunctional behaviours
have to be broken so one can live
a happier life in recovery.
I hope this helps answer your question.