The Impact of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACoA) on Mental Health
Alcoholism is a severe issue that affects more than 14 million individuals in the United States alone. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2018). Alcoholism impacts not only the individual, but also those around them. Those most affected are the adult children of alcoholics (ACoA). ACoA is defined as adults who experienced growing up with a parent or guardian with a substance abuse problem (Mack, 2015). This group has been gaining increased attention due to the lasting impact on mental health and well-being.
The literature surrounding ACoA indicates that this population is exposed to a wide array of risks. The most common psychological effects are depression, anxiety, and substance abuse (Mack, 2015). These individuals are also more likely to experience self-esteem issues, relationship issues, and problems in social settings (Mack, 2015). In addition to mental health issues, ACoA are also more likely to have physical health issues, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and alcohol abuse (Litt et al., 2017).
These effects can be attributed to a variety of factors. One of the main contributors is the lack of role models. ACoA often lack healthy role models for behavior, communication, and problem-solving skills (Litt et al., 2017). As a result, they are more likely to have difficulty forming relationships, have poor coping skills, and engage in risky behaviors. Other factors such as family dynamics, stress, and a lack of support can further contribute to the psychological effects of ACoA (Mack, 2015).
Despite the challenges associated with ACoA, there are a variety of interventions and treatments that can be used to improve the mental health of this population. One of the most common treatments is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is an evidence-based treatment that focuses on helping individuals to identify maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors and replace them with healthier ones (Barlow, 2019). Other treatments include family therapy, support groups, and individual counseling (Mack, 2015).
In conclusion, adult children of alcoholics are at an increased risk for a variety of psychological and physical health issues. This population is exposed to a wide array of risks, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. In order to reduce the impact of ACoA, it is important to utilize evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, and support groups.
References
Barlow, D. H. (2019). Clinical handbook of psychological disorders: A step-by-step treatment manual (6th ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Litt, M. D., Cooney, N. L., & Kadden, R. M. (2017). Adult children of alcoholics: An update. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 35(4), 332-345.
Mack, J. E. (2015). Adult children of alcoholics: A review of the empirical literature. Clinical Psychology Review, 35, 86-95.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. SMA 18-5068, NSDUH Series H-53). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality.