“Children of Alcoholics Week:” Help Make A Difference

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 7.5 million children in the United States -- 10.5 percent -- live with a parent who has experienced an alcohol use disorder in the past year.

Of these children 6.1 million live with two parents, one or both whom have experienced an alcohol use disorder in the past year. The other 1.4 million children live in a single-parent home, with a parent who has had an alcohol use disorder in the same time period.

There is significant negative emotional and economic impact on children whose parent(s) have an untreated alcohol and/or drug addiction.  According to SAMHSA these children are at a greater risk for depression, anxiety disorders, problems with cognitive and verbal skills, and parental abuse or neglect.  Studies show that they are also four times more likely than other children to develop alcohol problems themselves. 

The good news is that help is available. There are many excellent treatment centers in Connecticut, including those provided by Rushford. Support groups like Al-Anon/Alateen can also provide valuable assistance to family members. The free Connecticut info-line at 2-1-1 or www.211ct.org can put you in touch with resources.   

 February 12-18, 2012, is“ Children of Alcoholics Week.” Please honor the millions of children who have lived with addiction by helping someone you know get the life-changing and life-saving help he or she needs.