Obviously, we do not need a long lineup of research to tell us that children who live with in a home polluted by drug abuse or alcoholism can potentially develop these mental problems later in life. Having to endure an environment infected with verbal abuse, the smell of alcohol, illegal activity, or even physical abuse is noting a child needs to experience. However, a study conducted by Yale University confirms that this risk level varies based on the gender of the sick parent and the gender of the abused child. In other words, one parent affects one gender more than the other. Let’s take a closer look and find out about how the effects of alcoholic parents are gender-specific.
The Problem with Fathers and Daughters
According to Dr. Peter Morgan (lead author of the study and associate professor of psychiatry at Yale), daughters suffer the most from alcoholic parents, particularly the father. As part of the study, researchers analyzed statements from 23,006 men and 17,368 women and, in a surprising twist, discovered that daughters have a greater chance of developing alcohol use disorder if they have lived with an alcoholic father (in contrast to sons living in the same conditions).
Even more disturbing, research also indicates that daughters of alcoholic mothers are 50% more likely to develop bipolar mania, schizoid personality disorder, and substance abuse than sons in the same situation.
The Issue of Mothers and Sons
This does not, by any means, indicate that sons are not susceptible to their own range of problems. For example, the son of an alcoholic mother is 37% more likely to develop bipolar mania, in contrast to a daughter in the same situation. Likewise, sons living with alcoholic mothers also have a 75% greater risk of suffering from panic disorder, contrasting to the risk of a daughter in the same situation.
So, what is the final verdict? According to Morgan, the Yale study has confirmed that boys living with alcoholic mothers suffer from panic disorders more frequently than girls, while girls are negatively affected by their alcoholic fathers. Ultimately, you might view the father-daughter and mother-son relationships in a much different light.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism
Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.
