One out of every four American children lives in an alcoholic household. It is a statistic enough to make you sober: that’s nearly 19 million children, living in an alcoholic environment. And despite what they may think, there is nothing they can do to stop the drinking. None of it is their fault, yet the devastating impact of alcoholism can last throughout their lifetimes.

Compared to children living in non-alcoholic households, those who come from alcoholic homes are likely to have more problems – physical and mental, and run three times the risk of substance abuse and two times the risk being hospitalized for some form of mental disorder. They are more likely to get physical injuries, not least because the alcoholic parent subjects them to child abuse and physical violence.

It is important that professional help be given to the child of an alcoholic at an early stage, to prevent more serious problems from building up, including the tendency towards alcoholism, anxiety and depression, tendency to violence and aggression, and suicidal behavior.

The scars of growing up in an alcoholic home never disappear. Some children of alcoholics may compensate by acting out the role of ‘responsible parents,’ or becoming ‘overachievers’ in school; yet they tend to be emotionally isolated. The emotional problems may become manifest only in their adult lives. Many such children tragically become alcoholics themselves or end up marrying alcoholics.

If you know a child in this situation, you can reassure the child and try the following:

• Encourage the child gently to talk and make sure you listen sincerely.

• Offer the child a place where he/she can do school assignments.

• Help the child to identify people who can help when times get difficult and can give comfort and understanding; this could be a relative, friend, teacher or neighbor.

• Invite the child to join fun activities, an outing, perhaps.

• Give your phone number to the child, and tell them to call you when they feel the need to.

• Suggest support groups the child can use as resources, like Al-Anon and Alateen, and other mutual-help groups.

• Make clear to the child that the parent’s drinking is a problem the child cannot control and certainly did not cause.

• Tell the child that alcoholism is a form of chemical dependency, a disease, and it is something he/she cannot cure.

If you live in an alcoholic home, try to know more about alcoholism and its effects on an alcoholic’s family. It may be difficult to open up, but try to talk about your feelings and experiences with persons you’re comfortable with like friends and relatives, those in mutual-help programs, and even health professionals.

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