Children of Alcoholics Week 
This national week recognizes the damaging effects of alcoholism on children, February 14-20. Throughout February, we are celebrating the recovery of children who have received the help they needed to recover from the effects of parental alcohol and drug addiction, and offer hope to those still suffering.
What are the effects of alcohol on children?
Some children born of mothers who drink while pregnant can have fetal alcohol syndrome, a lifelong set of physical, mental, and neurobehavioral birth defects.
Children who grow and mature in an environment surrounded by alcoholism are at high risk for having alcohol and other drug problems themselves. These children often live with constant tension and stress, have low self-esteem, have higher levels of anxiety and depression, show higher rates of behavior problems, do poorly in school, and have problems coping with everyday life.
Children of alcoholics can learn to trust and handle their feelings in healthy ways. Building positive, nurturing relationships helps protect them from problems with alcohol.
Are children of alcoholics destined to become adult alcoholics?
Children of alcoholics are four times more likely than other children to develop alcoholism, according to the National Association for Children of Alcoholics. Behaviors of peers, the amount of stress in a person's life, access to alcohol, and family interaction are also factors that may increase the risk for alcoholism. Children of alcoholic families who understand the problems of growing up in an alcoholic family can take steps to protect themselves.
Helping Children of Alcoholics
Children living with alcohol or drug abuse in the family can benefit from participating in educational support groups in their school student assistance programs. Those age 11 and older can join Alateen groups, which meet in community settings and provide healthy connections with others coping with similar issues. Being associated with the activities of a faith community can also help.
Columbus Program for Children Ages 8 to 13
You’re Extra Special (Y.E.S.) is a child-centered supportive education prevention program for children whose lives have been affected by alcohol and other drug use. It focuses on the needs, feelings, and perceptions of the child.
YES is a 12 lesson support and education group for children ages 8-13, which uses play and art expression. Y.E.S. is for children whose parent (s) are in recovery, who love and care about someone who uses or abuses alcohol and other drugs, and/or who live in foster care or with adoptive families due to alcohol and other drug use.
Y.E.S. Builds Skills
- Building confidence and a positive outlook
- Identifying sources of support
- Joining school and other outside activities
- Making new friends
- Identifying skills/strengths
- Reducing stress
- Communicating and problem-solving
For more information on Y.E.S.
William Livisay, LSW, OCPS II
Prevention Program Manager
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs
Columbus Public Health
Phone: (614) 654-6256
Fax: (614) 645-1482
More Resources
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information Center
Al-Anon/Alateen
Alcoholics Anonymous
National Association for Children of Alcoholics
Source: SAMHSA