Suggests a strategy for researchers and caregivers to use in asking children about their parents' drinking. Use of the CAF survey item (children from alcoholic family) in the CASPAR (Cambridge and Somerville Program for Alcoholism Rehabilitation) Project is described, and reliability and validity data presented. (JAC)

This document is intended to educate parents and children on alcoholism. It suggests that although it is desirable for alcoholic parents to stop drinking, it is not necessary for them to do so before beginning to support the emotional growth of their children. Section 1 provides parents with guidelines to use when helping their children overcome…

The study found that 40 percent of 25 adult alcoholics were found to have had special education, remedial services, or repeated grade failure concurrent with a familial history of alcoholism and current discrepancies indicative of learning disabilities. Results suggest that childhood learning disorders may be related to the development of…

Reviews recent literature, finding support for hypothesis that power of alcoholic parent within household is related to whether offspring become alcoholic. In considering reasons for this relationship, suggests that children and adolescents are more likely to emulate and identify with powerful alcoholic parent and, thus, learn that alcohol can…

Examines young adults (N=360) in terms of their perceptions of having assumed a parentified role in their family of origin as a function of academic status and classification as children of alcoholics or nonalcoholics. Low academic status participants reported having greater caretaking responsibilities and worries in their families. Children of…

Data from an ongoing longitudinal study examined resilience (competent performance under adverse conditions) in a community sample of children of alcoholics (COAs n=216) and matched controls (n=201). The study examined the prevalence of competence and whether the relation of competence to internalizing and positive affect differed for COAs and…

In the current study, the authors tested the hypothesis that children of alcoholic parents (COAs) show deficits in social competence that begin in early childhood and escalate through middle adolescence. Teachers, parents, and children reported on the social competence of COAs and matched controls in a community sample assessed from ages 6 to 15.…

The theme of this issue of a journal designed to focus on the prevention of various kinds of substance abuse is "children of alcoholics" (CoAs). The lead article, "Children of Chemical Dependency: Respecting Complexities and Building on Strengths," by Pamela Woll, examines chemically dependent family systems. The article begins…

Schools today face a dilemma when teaching the young about drinking. If teachers acknowledge the fact that students drink, the teachers may appear to be condoning the behavior. Education about alcohol use that assumes the learners have and are having some actual experience is necessary but remains "difficult" for many teachers in many school…

Outlines historical development of the concept of children of alcoholics as a high-risk population in need of protection. Highlights recent efforts on the behalf of such children by public and private agencies. (CMG)

This questionnaire contains measures of attitudes, motivation, behavior and knowledge associated with alcohol use and abuse. Although the Adolescent Alcohol Questionnaire was created for use with a specific education program, results suggest its utility in the evaluation of other education programs. (Author)

Sees many adult children of alcoholics identifying themselves in hero role, making it useful tool for uncovering negative behaviors and starting to work toward change. Describes alcoholic home and hero roles of overachiever, controller, and perfectionist. Considers usefulness of individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, and play…

While some children may experience negative consequences as the result of growing up with an alcoholic parent, the majority will never develop any difficulties. This article examines how adolescent children of alcoholics can be supported by using positive, strengths-based approaches which focus on existing skills and abilities, rather than…

Offers suggestions for identifying children of alcoholic parents and through school counseling, helping them to understand and cope with their familial problems. Points out the difficulties in identifying and offering assistance to these children. (Author/ABB)

Explains how caregivers can reach and help children of alcoholics in a variety of settings, including schools and youth groups as well as specialized treatment centers. (HOD)