2010

Alcohol abuse is a worldwide issue that affects the family and community environment by greatly hindering the productivity and lifestyle of society members. Alcohol abuse not only affects those who misuse, abuse, and are dependent on alcohol and other drugs, but also impacts family dynamics (Room, Babor, & Rehm, 2005; Harpin, 2005). Mental health professionals have focused on the harmful effects of parental alcoholism over the past decades. Children in dysfunctional homes oftentimes have unnoticeable symptoms (Lambie & Sias, 2005). Many children raised with parental alcoholism are at a greater likelihood of experiencing physical, social, and academic problems (Chalder, Elgar, & Bennett, 2006; Heitzeg, Nigg, Yau, Zubieta, & Zucker, 2008). Without appropriate and effective prevention strategies, individuals have a greater risk of experiencing sexual promiscuity (Anda, 2006), depression, anxiety, and phobias (Diaz et al., 2008). Researchers and many survivors of familial alcoholism identify their experiences through various phrases and acronyms such as child/ren of alcoholics (COA or COAs) and adult child/ren of alcoholics (ACA, ACAs, ACOA, ACOAs, ACoA, or ACoAs).