Children from families affected by alcohol abuse

This paper deals with children from families affected by alcohol abuse. The focus here will therefore be on the children, not on the parents. Brief facts about alcohol and alcohol addiction are explained in order to illustrate the possible extent of a parent’s alcohol addiction on their children. The main section describes the everyday life of children with at least one alcohol-dependent parent and leads on to support options for affected children. Children from families affected by alcohol abuse are considered to be the group most at risk of developing an addiction themselves. Their difficult situation forces them to protect themselves or, if necessary, to adapt to the family system. The coping strategies of affected children often manifest themselves in different roles. Social work can make an important contribution to supporting children in their often difficult everyday lives and strengthening them on the basis of their protective factors.