Alcoholism and Parenting

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Alcohol abuse is a huge problem in America. The number of adults in America that meet the requirements for an alcoholic disorder is about 17.6 million which is roughly 8.5 percent (Serec et al.). Alcoholism is defined as a continuous illness that consists of not being able to control drinking, being constantly consumed by alcohol, using alcohol though it may cause problems, physical dependence of alcohol, and having withdrawals when there is an absence of alcohol (Mayo Clinic Staff). Alcoholics generally do not realize that they are not just hurting themselves but the people around them as well. More often than not, children who have at least one alcoholic parent are affected the most. Children of alcoholic parents are affected negatively in their lifestyle, mental health, and physical health.
It is hard to pinpoint the exact number of children affected by the abuse of alcohol by their parents because many alcoholics do not reach out for help or do not believe they have a problem (Serec et al.). Alcoholic parents can easily affect their children’s lifestyle in negative ways. Approximately the first 18 years of a person’s life are the most critical in determining how someone will live their life as an adult (Serec et al.). Many children of alcoholic parents live in financially unstable situations (Serec et al.). A study done in Slovenia shows that children of alcoholic parents used electronics more incessantly than children of nonalcoholic parents. These children seem to frequently watch TV, explore the internet, and listen to music. Many children of alcoholics also smoke cigarettes, use marijuana, drink more heavily and are not as physically active compared to children of nonalcoholic parents (Serec et al.). Children of...

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