Children of alcoholics : issues and aspects of behavioural dysfunctions

Abstract

Alcohol misuse is one of the most challenging problems facing us today. It is a disease that destroys the human personality and it has far reaching effects on the dependent's family. This study is an adaptation of a previous study conducted by Fine E. Q., Yudin, L.W., Holmers, J., & Heinemann, S. (1976), titled 'Behavioural disorders in children with parental alcoholism'. The research question this study aims to investigate is, Do Maltese adolescent children of alcoholics suffer from any behavioural dysfunctions? An answer to this question can help raising awareness about the importance of treating specifically these adolescent children. It aims at providing a valuable source of information that could offer an insight as to the challenges that these adolescents are facing, information about their needs, and how these can be met in a way that is practical and accessible. A qualitative research method was utilized and semi-structured in-depth interviews to six adolescent children of alcoholics were held. The main findings revealed that alcoholism has a negative impact on the family life of these adolescents. They are likely to experience stress, depression and other behavioural dysfunctions. The adolescents suffer shame, guilt, loneliness and fear. They are more likely to grow up faster than other adolescents and have more responsibilities. In order to survive in such an unhealthy family system one needs to adopt certain coping strategies and mechanism. Living with an alcohol dependent person has serious repercussions on all family members, yet together and with professional support they can strive to bring about change and harmony within their family system.