Alcoholism, along with other forms of addiction such as drug addiction and behavioral addiction, are considered a family disease. This is because the condition not only affects the individual but also everyone else in the family.
A family that has one alcoholic, even one or two alcoholic parents, is dysfunctional. Family life is erratic and everyday is a struggle for some semblance of balance, order, and normalcy. Alcoholic parents may even tend to be abusive of their children and other family members. This abuse is not necessarily physical, but also psychological and emotional. Neglect may also be another issue with alcoholic parents.
A study around these so-called adult children of alcoholic parents showed that they have common personality traits. These are developed as a result of their experiences within families with alcoholic parents or relatives.
10 Common Traits of Adults with Alcoholic Parents
1. They are more concerned about others than themselves. This is probably be due to them growing up taking parental roles, taking on responsibilities that they are normally too young to carry out.
2. They can’t finish what they have started. Children from alcoholic parents have a hard time following a project through to the end when they become adults. This is because they grew up on survival mode rather than learning practical problem solving skills.
3. They have black and white thinking. They think in extremes and have a hard time seeing the grey areas in various situations.
4. They have a hard time loosening up. Relaxing and having fun is not their strong suit as they took on adult roles since they were younger and that carried over until adulthood.
5. They are hard on themselves. They grew up blaming themselves for their parents’ behavior. As adults, when things go wrong, they are quick to blame themselves.
6. They always want other people’s approval. Growing up with alcoholic parents, getting rewards, approval and gratification can come in erratic measures, if at all. As adults, they still do this with their people-pleasing behavior.
7. They feel isolated. They feel like no one understands them. This may lead them to become isolated and anti-social.
8. They have a superhero complex. They easily fall for people who they feel needs rescuing and find purpose in helping “fix” that other person. This is why many children of alcoholic parents fall in love and marry people who are also alcoholics or have addictions.
9. They have a hard time standing up for themselves. They can be pushovers as adults, easily giving in to the demands of other people. This makes them prone to being taken advantage by others.
10. They are extremely loyal. They may continue to be loyal to the people they love even if those people are abusive or neglectful.This makes them prone to stay in unhealthy and abusive relationships as adults.
One thing is for sure–adult children of alcoholic parents are resilient because of the things they have gone through growing up. By knowing these 10 common traits, you may be able to turn things around and make these traits your strengths as you navigate through adulthood and life in general.
Do you have a parent who is struggling with alcoholism? Or perhaps they are trying to overcome other addictions? You can get help for them. Call or text us at 09175098826 to find out your options.
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