Alcoholism and Parenting: Samuel Adams

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The subject of parents consuming alcohol and how it affects their children is one that has plagued this world since long before the introduction of the first Samuel Adams. Alcohol damages brain cells and can prevent someone from making correct decisions. Having alcohol in one’s system can lead to violent and very dangerous rampages, and adding children to this mix is extremely harmful to them not only physically but also emotionally. Dr. Michael Windle explains that “alcohol abuse can interfere with parenting skills and marital relations, thereby affecting adolescent development and adjustment” (Effects on Children of Alcohol Dependent Parents). Under the influence of an alcohol dependent parent, children will often grow up in a callous and emotionally unavailable environment that can lead to a dangerous lifestyle as an adult such as difficulty socializing, criminal activity, and a dependency on alcohol much like their parent.

When a child lives in a household with a parent or authoritative figure who consumes alcohol to an excess, it is likely that they are to receive abuse. According to various studies, “up to 90% of child abuse cases involve at least one parent being an alcoholic” (Children Affected by Alcoholic Parents 1). With abuse comes many psychological problems. A child can become very introverted and refuse any help from their friends, family, or teachers. This becomes a problem when the child matures into an adult and has many concealed feelings and memories of the past.

It is unhealthy for someone to contain feelings because they then have a risk of being exerted on something or someone who has not particularly done anything to deserve it. This type of behavior can lead to depression, anxiety, and, in s...

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... This is the reason why alcoholism is so difficult to treat; because there is no one they trust who can help them get over the rough patch.

Drinking alcohol is a very serious situation that could potentially damage a family based solely on the choice of one person; it is a very selfish act and should not be done to an excess. Overindulging in alcohol can severely affect the children of the alcoholic. The child may become embarrassed and refuse help from others, they may become involved with criminal activities when older, and they most likely will develop a drinking problem themselves at a young age. When sons and daughters become involved with a parent’s drinking problem, it becomes more than just a personal issue for the parent. It is important to think of others also when making life-changing decision especially when it could potentially make or break a family.

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