Adult Children of Alcoholism - Chemical Dependency.

child’s increase the risk of the children living such a lifestyle and being traumatized also. Children who reside in this type of situation run a higher risk of the developing such due to genetics and environmental factors. Many professionals believe there are many common characteristics of children from alcoholic families. Characteristics of Adult Children of Alcoholics     According to Seixas and Youcha, children of alcoholics demonstrate a lack of trust, and are often isolated and lonely. Further research indicates those people have a guilty feeling and a very low self esteem. They also have a need for being in control and they judge the world by good and bad. They have an exaggerated sense of responsibility, the want to please, and have lots of trouble standing up for themselves. It is very possible for someone to have some, none or all of these characteristics.      I personally became acquainted with a person who was brought up in an alcoholic family. This person grew up believing her fathers drinking problems was her fault, and felt very guilty throughout all fo her childhood and even today. This woman stated her father could always somehow come up with an excuse for his drinking when approached by anyone, especially her mother when returning home from work. When confronted he would always respond with something like, “I am just upset because my daughter isn’t doing well in school and accomplishing all I would like her to, her room is always a mess.” This all resulted making the daughter feel extreme guilt. Unfortunately, many children such as her grow up feeling guilty and blaming themselves for their parent’s problems. It is very difficult for a child to overcome this type of upbringing because parents are presumed to be the most trustworthy to a child and to this day this woman has still not defeated her feelings of guilt and blame that she has grown up with all her life. Roles:     In most dysfunctional families, it seems as if family members take on different roles in order to cope with their surroundings. Basically members of an alcoholic family tend to play one of these five roles: Chief Enabler, Family Hero, the Scape-Goat, Lost Child, or the Mascot. The Chief Enabler always blames self, feels very responsible, and is manipulative and self pitying. They often try to control the family system and protect the person who is chemically dependent.     Another common tole is the Family Hero. The family hero is a hard worker and always does what is right, generally acquiring visible success. Self worth is what they seek and work for in the family system.      The Scape-Goat has qualities such as, hostility, defiance, being withdrawn, possibly a drug user. Feelings are comprised of anger, fear, loneliness, and rejection. They are represented by taking focus off of the alcoholic.      The fourth role is the Lost Child. They tend to be very independent, are daydreamers, and be very withdrawn, and often have feelings of anger and inadequacy. They represent the family by relieving the parent     The last role is the Mascot. The mascot represents the family by fun and humor that relieves some stress and tension. The mascot has four very distinct characteristics: hyperactivity, a short attention span, have some learning disabilities and would do anything for attention.     The roles which are listed above seem to exist in most all alcoholic families. It is important to note all families do not necessarily consist of all these roles. One of the most important issues about them is they can all be treated. According to Carruther’s and Hood (1992) “the goal of intervention is to help ACA’s achieve balance, without pushing them past necessary defenses.” (Pg.22) Hero’s should be encouraged to play and relax, and take good care of themselves. The scape goats should be given as much attention for their appropriate behaviors in order to create a positive sense of self. Lost Children should be incorporated into positive social experiences that promote a sense of belonging and self confidence and provided with choices. Mascots should be taken seriously and encouraged for their potential and have their experiences affirmed. Although it is important to let the children set their own paces, they should be encouraged to talk about their reality, have their feelings validated, and develop trusting relationships with responsible adults.Treatment:     Since alcoholism in many instances is viewed as a disease or disorder, it in fact can be treated. Vernon E. Johnson (1980) in his best-selling novel, I’ll Quit Tomorrow, distinguishes between treatment and intervention. Johnson states that intervention is the process of getting the alcoholic to treatment, which is the first step. According to McCaul & Furst (1994), treatment services are delivered in two general settings, inpatient and outpatient settings. “Inpatient settings mostly consist of short term residential settings treatment.” (Pg.253) The basic residential setting usually lasts about thirty days, and is traditionally marked as the foundation of recovery. These treatment facilities utilize the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 step program. McCaul & Furst (1994) states that “88% of all patients who are usually treated in an outpatient setting.”(Pg.253) Most of the programs are based on the disease concept.      According to Carruthers and Hood (1992), “the common goals of treatment and school programs include: assessments, provide a supportive environment, have information on alcoholism available and the effects on the family made apparent, helping the children realize they aren’t the cause, nor can they control them, helping them focus on their behaviors and choices. Needing to realize, you need fun, be able to make friends, and feel good about yourself and others. Concentrating on school and work, and help develop healthy coping skills and provide referrals for additional support.”(Pg22)     A person or family member who is having a difficult time with dealing with this chemical dependency has a wide range of options, as far as treatment is concerned. Some studies focus on individual treatment as the best therapy for an individual that is surrounded by a chemical dependency. However, there have been a large number of groups established for adult children of alcoholics. Studies are suggesting that this is a very beneficial treatment method. ACA’s have reported that after attending these meetings they realized they were not alone. This seemed to help them discuss how alcohol affected their lives and how others shared some of the same similarities. In many circumstances, group therapy is recommended for people who receive individual treatment. Conclusion:     In conclusion adult children of alcoholics come from very diverse backgrounds. After completing my research it is evident that society and the media play a large role in the lives of alcoholics and their families. This is not something that needs to go left alone or unnoticed. It is a large problem, and needs to be acknowledged.