One of the major developments in the alcohol field during the 1980s was the vastly increased attention to the plight of the family. For the first time, engaging families in treatment became the norm. In addition, there were efforts to reach out to family members, even if the alcohol dependent person was not in treatment. As part of the attention to the family, alcohol dependence began to be described as a family.

In 2012, an estimated 7.5 million children under age 18 were living with a parent with a serious alcohol problem. Nationwide that's 10.5% of all children under age 18. Picture kids on the playground. One in every 10 will be returning home to a parent with a significant alcohol problem. "Significant" means meeting the formal criteria for a diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence. The majority (80%) live in two-parent families. Almost all of the rest live with a single mom (15%).

Discuss:

1. Why is so much written about the effects of alcoholism upon a patient's liver enzymes and so little written about the effects of parental alcoholism on the children?

2. Assess if it is more likely that such children will have a harder time than will their peers as they enter into relationships outside the home, at school, or with playmates.

3. Examine, is a troubled child the signal of an alcohol problem in a family. What factors influence how a parent's drinking affects the child?

4. Research findings compared today to 2012 of children living with a parent with a serious alcohol problem. Has there been an increase or decrease, explain why you believe the results you found?