What is Adult Children of Alcoholics ACOA?

If you or a loved one is seeking help for alcohol or other substance abuse, contact us at Stairway Resource Center today. At Stairway Resource Center we provide a 60 to 90-day outpatient program that takes place in an engaging and supportive community setting. We offer dual diagnosis treatment and daily group and individual therapy for our clients, in addition to fun community-based events and activities. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare. AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data. While there is evidence of genetic predisposition to alcohol abuse, children of alcoholics can thrive with support and intervention.

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There is a marked prevalence of mental health issues among adult children of alcoholics who present higher rates of anxiety and depression, substance abuse disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The trauma and stress of living in an alcoholic household can contribute to these conditions, which may persist into adulthood if left untreated. Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers. Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone.

Your addiction does not have to define who you are.

• A treatment center will attempt to verify your health insurance benefits and/or necessary authorizations on your behalf.
• It does not offer therapy or counseling and it is not a professional treatment option.
• Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service.
• Research has shown the deep psychological impression of parental alcohol use over COAs.
• Those substance use disorders go on to impact children, creating trauma, and resulting in increases in adverse childhood experience reactions, which impact people for the rest of their lives.
• Your health insurance company will only pay for services that it determines to be “reasonable and necessary.” The treatment center will make every effort to have all services preauthorized by your health insurance company.
• As a result, 1 in 8 children in the United States has at least one parent with a substance use disorder as of 2023.

Having an alcoholic parent can cause a child to experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and trust issues. They may also struggle with relationships, face academic challenges, and have a higher risk of developing substance abuse problems themselves. The previous set of traumas impacts the ability of children of alcoholics to develop healthy social skills and social bonds. For example, studies indicate that daughters with fathers suffering from alcohol use disorder tend to create more insecure attachment behaviors in comparison with those with non-alcoholic fathers. Children of alcoholics (COAs) experience numerous psychosocial challenges from infancy to adulthood. Research has shown the deep psychological impression of parental alcohol use over COAs.

• Growing up with an alcoholic father or mother is considered an adverse childhood experience (ACE), leading to enduring physical and mental health challenges persisting into adulthood and potentially old age if not addressed.
• The program follows steps of acknowledging that your addicted parent was not capable of being a good parent and using that recognition to step away from needing those parents in our lives.
• An adult child of an alcoholic may exhibit insecure attachment styles, such as anxious-preoccupied or dismissive-avoidant, due to emotional neglect experienced in childhood, impacting their relationships and emotional well-being.
• Today, an estimated 46.3 million Americans qualify as having a substance use disorder.
• Children of alcoholics may struggle with employment, such as trouble maintaining a steady job due to emotional distress or instability caused by their home environment.
• The trauma and stress of living in an alcoholic household can contribute to these conditions, which may persist into adulthood if left untreated.

Traits and Characteristics of Adult Children of Alcoholics

You’ll also be given opportunities to discuss themes and what problems or life experiences you’ve had that meet those themes. In this case, the 12 steps literally follow the path from emotional dependency on an addicted parent to self-reliance. If you or someone you know is struggling as a child of alcoholics, find further information and help about ACoA on their website. Children of alcoholics may struggle with trust, keeping friendships, communication and conflict resolution skills in their personal and professional relationships.

Other Resources

Addiction Resource does not favor or support any specific recovery center, nor do we claim to ensure the quality, validity, or effectiveness of any particular treatment center. No one should assume the information provided on Addiction Resource as authoritative and should always defer to the advice and care provided by a medical doctor. Adults and children of alcoholics are not alone and several resources and support are available. ACoA is a mutual support organization and a 12-step program to help those who grew up in homes affected by alcohol use disorder or other forms of family dysfunction. Today, an estimated 46.3 million Americans qualify as having a substance use disorder.

Areas of expertise are post-traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and psychopharmacology. Most people are familiar with 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon. ACOA or ACA is the branch of this organization aimed at the children of people struggling with substance abuse problems, including behavioral dependency, substance abuse, and substance dependence. Yes, children of alcoholics are at three to four times the risk of developing alcoholism compared to those without alcoholic parents. Daughters of alcoholics are more likely to marry alcoholic men, perpetuating the cycle for future generations. An adult child of an alcoholic may exhibit insecure attachment styles, such as anxious-preoccupied or dismissive-avoidant, due to emotional neglect experienced in childhood, impacting their relationships and emotional well-being.

Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service. Your health insurance company will only pay for services that it determines to be “reasonable and necessary.” The treatment center will make every effort to have all services preauthorized by your health insurance company. ACOA is also a program which is about recovering from the experience of having a parent who is incapable of being a good parent. The program follows steps of acknowledging that your addicted parent was not capable of being a good parent and using that recognition to step away from needing those parents in our lives. ACOA calls this “Emotional Sobriety”, because the children of alcoholics often grow up needing approval and love from their parents as much as anyone else, resulting in toxic relationships where parents may even continue to use them. The program is designed around acknowledging that your parents can’t give you what you need and encouraging you to learn the skills, self-soothing, and self-compassion you need to go to treatment and undo the harm they did.

Discuss these ACOA abbreviations with the community:

This emotional turmoil can result in emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem and difficulty managing emotions. They may struggle with feelings of what does acoa stand for guilt and shame about their family situation. This means that joining a group starts out with showing up to a group talk, listening to people talk, and eventually joining in yourself. You’ll be given an opportunity to discuss your problems now and from the past.

You may need both if you’re going to recover from a family history of addiction or dysfunction. By clicking “Submit,” you certify that you have provided your legal name and phone number, agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy, and authorize California Behavioral Health. You consent to receive SMS notifications and promotions from California Behavioral Health. This lack of emotional support can lead to feelings of abandonment, loneliness and worthlessness in children.