Alcoholism Is a Family Disease There is strong, scientific evidence that alcoholism tends to run in families. Alcoholics are more likely than nonalcoholics to have an alcoholic father, mother, sibling, or other relative. In addition, children of alcoholics (COAs) are more likely than non-COAs to marry into families in which alcoholism is prevalent. In research studies, almost one-third of any sample of alcoholics has at least one parent who also was or is an alcoholic. Children of alcoholics are more at risk for alcoholism and other drug abuse than children of non-alcoholics. They are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop alcoholism than others. Physiological and environmental factors appear to place COAs at greater risk of becoming alcoholic. They are at increased risk for other drug use, especially as they approach late adolescence. Alcoholism affects the entire family. Living with an alcoholic in the family can contribute to stress for all members in the family. Each family member may be affected differently. Not all alcoholic families experience or react to this stress in the same way. Based on clinical observations and preliminary research, a relationship between parental alcoholism and child abuse is indicated in a large proportion of child abuse cases. Rates of parental alcoholism among families with reported child abuse range from zero percent to 92 percent. Assuming a population prevalence of alcoholism of 5-10 percent, the majority of studies suggest increased prevalence of alcoholism among parents who abuse children. Existing research suggests alcoholism is more strongly related to child abuse than are other disorders such as parental depression. Although several studies report very high rates of alcoholism among the parents of incest victims, much additional research in this area is needed. Maintaining consistency around important family activities such as vacations, mealtimes, or holidays are protective for some alcoholic families. If the active alcoholic is confronted with his or her problem, if family rituals or traditions are highly valued, if there are consistent significant others in the life of the child or children, and if there is moderate to high religious observance, children can be protected from the problems associated with growing up in an alcoholic family. This reproducible fact sheet is provided by the Connecticut Clearinghouse, a program of Wheeler Clinic, Inc. which is funded by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Connecticut Clearinghouse, 334 Farmington Avenue Plainville, CT 06062 800-232-4424 / (860)793-9791