Effects Of Parental Alcoholism On Adolescence

They also like to maintain peace within the family. .
             The Family Hero - this child is usually very helpful within the family and is usually successful outside the family. He may also be an overachiever. .
             The Enabler - will aid the alcoholic by allowing them to drink and will often clean up after or cover for the alcoholic. .
             The Scapegoat - will usually act out in a self-destructive manner to distract attention away from family problems. .
             The Clown - keeps the family tension low with humor. .
             The Lost Child - tries to cope by drawing as little attention as possible to themselves and by making as few waves as possible (Geringer Woititz, 1983, p. 10-17).
             These coping mechanisms help the child to deal with the situations at home but may negatively affect their coping abilities as an adult (Geringer Woititz, 1983, p. 19-20).
             The inconsistencies, general lack of care as well as an overall lack of involvement by the parents, can lead to the development of aggressive, antisocial behavior (Jacob & Johnson, 1997, p. 206). These adolescents have many problems such as guilt, anxiety, embarrassment, and an inability to have close relationships, confusion, anger, and depression (http://www.aacap.org/publications/- factsfam/Alcoholic.htm ). They may be characterized as:.
             Guilt - may be exhibited by feelings that if only the child behaved better, or did better in school the parent would no longer drink. They believe that they are the cause of their parents drinking. .
             Anxiety - they may be constantly distracted about the state the alcoholic is in while they are away. Is the alcoholic okay? What can I expect when I get home? Will my parents be fighting today? .
             Embarrassment - the adolescent may feel as if they must hide the fact that one or more of their parents is an alcoholic. They are ashamed and embarrassed to ask for help or to bring friends home out of fear of what they may find when they get home. .
             Inability to sustain close relationships - this is based on the disappointment the child has faced by the alcoholic; therefore, they do not easily trust others.