Alcoholism doesn't only affect the person drinking it leaves a mark on the entire family. Whether the children of the alcoholic become alcoholics themselves or co-dependents of other alcoholics there is no escaping the scars that abusing alcohol leaves. The alcoholic is selfish and abusive. The family are the ones that take on that abuse. The alcoholic wont remember the next day what they dished out to their family members. The family members will never forget.
As a child I never realized how disfunctional my family was but as an adult I can see why my life took the path it did and understand why my siblings are not close to each other. My mother grew up in an alcoholic family as well and without a college education she didn't have alot of choices as far as leaving this horrible relationship.
There is hope for the adults of the alcoholic however. You don't have to continue living the insanity as you become an adult. You can forgive your parents and come to a peace in your own life. Through therapy, spirituality and meditation you begin to understand that wounds do heal and scars are left but gratitude for life can take the place of anger. Your children don't have to live the life you did. It is never to late to have a happy childhood. Enjoy your own children's childhood and have peace and happiness in knowing that your parents showed you how not to raise your children. You can be thankful that your parents gave you life. Without them you wouldn't be here today. You can be thankful that childhood doesn't have to last forever. You are in control of your own life and you can have a happy and successful life despite your parents. Learn how to love yourself so you can love those around you. Accept what was but don't dwell on it. It has made you the person you are and if you currently don't like that person then work on changing what you do not like and improve on what you do. Give yourself the pat on the back that perhaps you didn't get while growing up. You are important. You do have a purpose. Live each day to the fullest.