MAIN Health Diseases & Conditions Alcoholism Families of Alcoholics

Their absence from family get-togethers, the late nights out, the missed work - despite everything .... it's just as hard to admit to yourself (as it is for the them) that a loved one may be an alcoholic.

This is just part of the classic "enabling behavior" in which many families of alcoholics may find themselves trapped.

If you've ever lived through the experience, you know it's difficult at best dealing with the tangled emotions inherent in dealing with an alcoholic loved one, including the endless rounds of guilt and finger-pointing, or feelings of hopelessness, anger and betrayal and embarassment mixed with love.

Today, scientists still do not know what exactly causes alcoholism.

Research has suggested that alcoholism may be passed down from generation to generation. As a result, children of alcoholics may all be predisposed to an "alcoholism gene" that may effect their ability to handle alcohol responsibly.

On the Web, discover the latest research and studies, find out how others are coping, and connect with families of alcoholics in chats, forums and messageboards. You can also link up with associations and organizations which are there to assist, and get expert tips offering needed help to those who suffer along with the alcoholic...

Alcoholics Anonymous - Understanding Your Problem - The premiere source of information from AA, with an introduction to alcoholism for family and loved ones including expert information on understanding the disease, when and how to seek help for the alcoholic, the Twelve Steps to recovery, and more.

Coping with an Alcoholic Parent - Focusing on the needs of teens featuring facts and information on understanding why parents drink, dealing with guilt issues, recognizing the problem, what children can do to help including support contact info, related links and resources.

National Association for Children of Alcoholics - Central online clearinghouse with an extensive library of story articles and reports on children dealing with alcoholic parents and those in recovery, clinical and research fact sheets, special sections for kids, clinicians and clergy, related links.

Al-Anon & Alateen - Two offshoots of Alcoholics Anonymous geared specifically to those who live with alcoholism described as a "family disease" that affects those closest to the alcoholic, with information for newcomers, facts on how to cope, and details on where to attend support meetings in the U.S., Canada and internationally.

Children of Alcoholics Foundation - A national affiliate of Phoenix House focusing on alcohol abuse with basic information on alcohol addiction, tips and advice for children and teens, relatives, caregivers and parents in recovery.

NACOA - Major UK organization for families and children of alcoholics with advice and information, facts and statistics on the coping with the disease, helpline info, how to volunteer, related links.

Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization - Information about the 12 Step recovery program for families offering an online forum, program history and a searchable database of scheduled meetings in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia and worldwide.

also see in Alcoholism -> Alcoholism Research | College Drinking

Drunk Driving | Meetings, Support | Teen Drinking

Symptoms & Treatment | Women & Alcohol

also see in Diseases -> Cirrhosis | Liver Diseases