Adult Children of Alcoholics ACOA and Family Roles

Individuals may also commit to large projects or multiple responsibilities at work. If you think your experience as an adult child of an alcoholic is adversely affecting your life, you may need to see a professional. You should also consider medical intervention if you struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. If you’re struggling to maintain relationships or engaging in risky or addictive behaviours, you may also need to seek medical counselling. Adult children of alcoholics often develop specific strategies to navigate their challenging upbringings.

Most of these descriptions are based on data obtained relatively systematically from nonclinical and clinical populations. A survey of college students conducted by Kim and Lee 49 concluded that age was a moderating factor with young children being more negatively affected as compared to adolescents or adults. The survey also reported that as they age, COAs tend to become more insensible to their alcoholic parents 49. Internalizing psychopathology includes symptoms of anxiety and depression; while externalizing symptoms encompasses ‘acting out’ behaviors characterized by inattention, impulsivity, defiance, aggression and violent acts 14. Studies have also reported that these children are more vulnerable to development of mental disorders, early drug use and dependence, high risk sexual behavior and suicide 33. They are also at a greater risk to develop guilt, shame, social withdrawal, anxiety and poor academic performance when compared to non-abused children 34.

Isolating Behaviors

Adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) often exhibit impulsive behaviour, isolation, and a tendency to seek approval from others. They may also have difficulty in romantic relationships and overreact to changes outside their control. Many ACOAs develop substance abuse problems themselves, despite witnessing the devastating effects of alcohol and drug use firsthand.

A loving, predictable home helps foster healthy brain development in children.
ACOAs often take on excessive responsibility, feeling compelled to solve others' problems.
A parent’s alcohol use disorder (AUD) can have a major impact on your mental and emotional well-being — not just in your childhood, but also well into your adulthood.
It is important to recognize that the presence of parental alcoholism does not necessarily cause these personality traits.

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5.1% of global burden of disease is attributed to harmful use of alcohol, measured as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs); affecting 7.1% men and 2.2% women.
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ACOAs might find change particularly distressing because it can trigger subconscious memories of instability and lack of control.

They may not intend harm with their habitual lying, but it can cause serious and extensive negative effects. As we conclude this exploration of ACOA personality types, it’s crucial to emphasize that healing is possible. The road may be long and at times challenging, but with self-awareness, support, and dedication to personal growth, ACOAs can transform their painful pasts into sources of strength and wisdom. The four ACOA personality types, according to the research of American psychiatrist Dr. Timmen Cermak, are the hero, the scapegoat, the lost child, and the mascot.

Mental Health Support

The lack of a relationship between these variables does not mean that COA’s do not have higher levels of ADHD than control subjects, only that such an association can be “explained” by the parental conduct disorder. Research focusing on these characteristic personality traits as endophenotypes in alcoholism should provide with better preventive strategies. Anxiety sensitivity can be understood as an unspecific or situation specific fear, and desire to relieve, anxiety symptoms.

ACOAs frequently grapple with the complex legacy of their upbringing, which may include an increased risk of developing substance use disorders (SUDs).
Therapists working with clients who grew up in households impacted by substance use often encounter a specific set of enduring traits and challenges.
Approval-seeking can also be driven by a fear of abandonment, which is common in children of alcoholics due to their unreliable caregivers.
Since they usually do not know how to engage positively with someone, they often remain in unhealthy relationships for too long.
Understanding the common characteristics of adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) can be eye-opening.

Existing data suggest, however, that further inquiry in this area is needed. Adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) are individuals who grew up with at least one alcoholic parent. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can have a profound impact on family dynamics, and children with alcoholic mothers or fathers will experience a range of emotional and behavioural challenges as a result. Adults raised by caregivers who had drinking problems or misused alcohol may also struggle with the negative impacts of alcohol abuse. Estimates suggest that ten to fifteen percent of Americans suffer from alcoholism (Stinson et al., 2005) and over 28 million people in the United States alone are children of alcoholics (Obot, Wagner, & Anthony, 2001).

Personality Traits in Children of Alcoholic Parents

Without the right treatment for emotional issues, or addiction treatment for those who develop an addiction, life can feel like a series of disappointments for ACOAs. Being an adult child of an alcoholic can be a confusing and stressful situation. ACOA traits and behavioral tendencies can leave them feeling down, exhausted, and confused. Since relationship troubles are common, many people also feel alone but have trouble knowing how to ask for help.

Your own needs and feelings might get pushed aside, affecting your confidence and well-being. This can leave you feeling taken advantage of or worn out from always putting others first. You might be drawn to someone who is emotionally unavailable or brings drama, mirroring the instability you grew up with. These feelings can lead you to pick partners who reinforce what you’re used to. Low self-worth, from years of feeling unseen or unimportant, can make you doubt whether you’re worthy of a stable and loving relationship. As a child, it’s easy to believe that your actions could change your parent’s behaviour.

Treating Addiction

You’re not to blame if you learned to use alcohol as a means of dealing with trauma from your childhood, but you can always take action to learn new, more helpful coping mechanisms. A 2014 review found that children of parents who misuse alcohol often have trouble developing emotional regulation abilities. “Adult children of parents with AUD may find closeness with others somewhat uncomfortable given a deep-rooted fear that becoming connected to someone else means a significant risk of emotional pain,” says Peifer. The problem is, many people don’t understand that and just see a rebellious child.

The 5 Common Personality Types of Children of Alcoholics

Being constantly on guard and waiting for something bad to happen is exhausting. If you’re unable to feel safe or relaxed, then you could also be robbed of the ability to feel joyful in the present moment. Learning how to calm your nervous system through deep breathing, yoga, talk therapy and other relaxation methods can help you begin getting more out of the good moments that are happening in your life. Types of Alcoholics Coping with the lasting effects of a parent’s alcohol use can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone.