Children of Alcoholics or COAs is an issue which has been the subject of several publications from the National Institute on Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

An estimated 6.6 million children under the age of 18 years live in households with at least one alcoholic parent. Current research findings suggest that these children are at risk for a range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems.

In addition, genetic studies indicate that alcoholism tends to run in families and that a genetic vulnerability for alcoholism exists. Yet, some investigators also report that many children from alcoholic homes develop neither psychopathology nor alcoholism.

The family environment may affect transmission of alcoholism to COAs. Children with alcoholic parents are less likely to become alcoholics as adults when their parents consistently set and follow through on plans and maintain such rituals as holidays and regular mealtimes.

School-aged children of alcoholic parents often have academic problems. Academic performance may be a better measure than IQ of the effect of living with an alcoholic parent. School records indicate that COAs experience such academic difficulties as repeating grades, failing to graduate from high school, and requiring referrals to school psychologists.

Although cognitive deficits in COAs may account, in part, for their poor academic performance, motivational difficulties or the stress of the home environment also may contribute to their problems in school.

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Children of Alcoholics or COAs is an issue which has been the subject of several publications from the National Institute on Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

An estimated 6.6 million children under the age of 18 years live in households with at least one alcoholic parent. Current research findings suggest that these children are at risk for a range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems.

In addition, genetic studies indicate that alcoholism tends to run in families and that a genetic vulnerability for alcoholism exists. Yet, some investigators also report that many children from alcoholic homes develop neither psychopathology nor alcoholism.

The family environment may affect transmission of alcoholism to COAs. Children with alcoholic parents are less likely to become alcoholics as adults when their parents consistently set and follow through on plans and maintain such rituals as holidays and regular mealtimes.

School-aged children of alcoholic parents often have academic problems. Academic performance may be a better measure than IQ of the effect of living with an alcoholic parent. School records indicate that COAs experience such academic difficulties as repeating grades, failing to graduate from high school, and requiring referrals to school psychologists.

Although cognitive deficits in COAs may account, in part, for their poor academic performance, motivational difficulties or the stress of the home environment also may contribute to their problems in school.

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