Wondering is alcohol abuse disorder generational? Here is what you need to know.
Is Alcohol Abuse Disorder Generational?
Parents influence their children in many intense ways. Parents can shape a child’s sense of self worth, problem solving skills, and they view his or her environment. When a child has a parent who suffers from alcohol abuse disorder, the parent’s behavior will undoubtedly influence the child’s. In some instances, children grow up to develop alcohol abuse disorders after observing a parent’s struggles with alcoholism, or simply as a coping mechanism.
The correlation between genetics and alcoholism are complicated, and no clear genetic indicator that a person will succumb to alcoholism in his or her life exists. However, studies show that a child with a parent who has an alcohol abuse disorder is three to four times more likely than his or her peers to develop alcoholism later in life.
When children grow up around alcohol abuse they tend to develop decreased sensitivity to alcohol and its effects. For example, a child who grows up with an alcoholic father may not realize until later in life that such a family dynamic is neither healthy or normal. This creates a domino effect and can increase the likelihood of a child experimenting with drugs and alcohol at an earlier age or taking experimentation too far and developing a substance abuse problem at a very young age. An alcoholic with an alcoholic parent may blame the parent for being a bad influence, but having an alcoholic parent is not a telltale sign that the child will become an alcoholic also.
Alcoholic parents are inherently more likely to abuse their children due to diminished judgment and constant drunkenness. This in turn can traumatize children, cause the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and propel a child to cope by using drugs and alcohol later in life. Genetic markers account for roughly half of a person’s risk of developing alcoholism as an adult, but simply having a parent with alcoholism is not a surefire sign the child will develop alcoholism.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
