The level of dysfunction or resiliency of the non-alcoholic spouse is a key factor in the effects of problems impacting children. Children raised in alcoholic families have different life experiences than children raised in non-alcoholic families. Children raised in other types of dysfunctional families may have similar developmental losses and stressors as do children raised in alcoholic families. They also usually experience higher levels of conflict within the family. Children of alcoholics may be hampered by their inability to grow in developmentally healthy ways.
Many people report being exposed to alcoholism in their families.
Roughly one in eight American adult drinkers is alcoholic or experiences problems due to the use of alcohol. There are an estimated 26.8 million COAs in the United States. Preliminary research suggests that over 11 million are under the age of 18. There is strong, scientific evidence that alcoholism tends to run in families. Children of alcoholics are more at risk for alcoholism and other drug abuse than children of non-alcoholics.