You may have traits of an alcoholic even if you’ve never picked up a drink.
When one or both parents struggle with addiction, the home environment is predictably unpredictable.
Arguments, inconsistency, unreliability, and chaos tend to run rampant.
Verywell / JR Bee
Children of alcoholics often have to hide their feelings of sadness, fear, and anger so that survive.
Since unresolved feelings will always surface eventually, they often manifest during adulthood.
The advantage of recognizing this is that you’re an adult and no longer a helpless child.
The same can be said about people who have been sexually abused, or raised in authoritative/highly religious homes.
Examples of behaviors include gambling, drug abuse, or overeating.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Others have found help through mutual support groups such asAl-Anon Family GroupsorAdult Children of Alcoholics.
you might find asupport groupmeeting in your area oronline meetingsfor both Al-Anon and ACOA.
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Woititz JG.Adult Children of Alcoholics.
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(Attributed to Tony A., 1978).
Woititz, Janet G. “Adult Children of Alcoholics,” 2010 Expanded Edition.
