Often, when we look at the deep holes of despair and anguish dug by alcoholics, we are very quick to reach out to these people and provide as much help as we possibly can (as we definitely should). Unfortunately, though, in our mixture of concern and upset over the people suffering from this mental illness, we tend to forget the silent victims of alcoholism: children. Rather than looking up to their parents as stoic and kindhearted leaders and sources of morality, these boys and girls are forced into a world of drunken rants, late nights, and excessive vomiting. Imagine the anguish and fear these children and teens have to endure as they attempt to help the parents they both love and despise. Let’s take a closer look at the silent victims of alcoholism.
Warfare in the Home
According to researchers in Psychology Today, the level of torture and pain these children endure at the hands of alcoholic parents is equivalent to the stress of soldiers on the battlefield. Besides verbal abuse, juveniles and teens can also suffer from physical violence in the form of beatings and (in a particularly enraging scenario) sexual assault. Time and time again, research has urged parents to provide a rigid structure of learning and growth for their children. Obviously, a world of swearing, slapping, and abuse is far from a healthy environment (for child and adult alike).
Stone Cold Sense of Denial
Stephanie Brown (founder of the Stanford Medical Center’s Alcohol Clinic and director of a San Francisco Bay treatment facility) explains that alcoholics and their abused children equally suffer from a state of denial, which is more dangerous than the mental illness itself. Ultimately, this distorted, clouded view of the world can lead to feelings of helplessness and self-criticism, dangers pegs on the ladder of growth into adulthood.
Consider that 76 million people (45% of the population) have been exposed to alcoholism at some point in our lives, and 26.8 million of these Americans are children. Which epidemic is worse: alcoholism or abuse?
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
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.