COAs may be more likely to be the targets of physical abuse and to witness family violence. These poor communication and problem-solving skills may be mechanisms through which lack of cohesion and increased conflict develop and escalate in alcoholic families. COAs are more at risk for disruptive behavioral problems and are more likely than non-COAs to be sensation seeking, aggressive, and impulsive. Based on clinical observations and preliminary research, a relationship between parental alcoholism and child abuse is indicated in a large proportion of child abuse cases. A significant number of children in this country are being raised by addicted parents.
Studies suggest an increased prevalence of alcoholism among parents who abuse children.
Existing research suggests alcoholism is more strongly related to child abuse than are other disorders, such as parental depression. Although several studies report very high rates of alcoholism among the parents of incest victims, much additional research is needed in this area. Children of alcoholics exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety more than children of non-alcoholics. Children of alcoholics exhibit elevated rates of psychopathology. Anxiety, depression, and externalizing behavior disorders are more common among COAs than among children of non-alcoholics.