What’s important about Children of Alcoholics?
Children of alcoholics (COAs): • are at high risk for alcohol and other drug problems • often live with pervasive tension and stress • have higher levels of anxiety and depression • do poorly in school • experience problems with coping The good news is that they can be helped to bounce back from the effects of their families’ problems. When family members (parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles), guardians, or other adults in charge of children are alcoholics, there is strong evidence that children in these families are more likely to develop the disease of alcoholism as well. The fact is, alcoholism tends to run in families. What causes COAs to have increased risk? Children of alcoholics may or may not be raised by alcoholics. Either way, every COA is at risk for alcoholism or alcoholism-related problems. • Children living with alcoholics Children who live with alcoholics are at increased risk because of genetic and/or environmental factors. They may be at more risk for alcoholism just a
