Where Knowledge Rules

Adult Children Of Alcoholics

Basics of this Zone


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This is something that has been important to me for a very long time.  When I was dealing with my dad's alcoholism as well as the fact that it was killing him.  I looked everywhere trying to find some information.  Hoping beyond hope to find someone somewhere who might understand a little of what I was going through.  

Unfortunately, I found very little.  I have always felt there should be more information available.  Growing up in a home with an alcoholic parent leaves effects on a person that last for many years if not forever.  It is my desire as an adult who grew up with an alcoholic parent to reach out to others who are dealing with the effects of growing up in an alcoholic household.

There is no need to compare battle scares.  There is however, a need to know that someone else out there somewhere understands and is dealing with some of the same confusion and emotions.  We as adults, finally have the right to break down the walls we built in order to protect ourselves.  

In so doing we can finally realize who we are and acknowledge the potential that is inside of us.  The potential that for so many years has been hidden because of the secret torment we had to deal with in our lives.  Together we can as adults get past the shame, confusion, embarrassment and anger as well as the multitude of other emotions that for so many years kept us from accepting ourselves or allowing others to get close to us.

 

I hope this zone will help you or someone you love,

Carolina

Adult Children of Alcoholics - Long-term effects

Children of alcoholics grow up to be adult children of alcoholics. My story is a little different from many others I've heard about, as my dad was never abusive to me. Actually, my dad never spanked me.

In my teen years is when my dad's alcoholism got out of control. During that time, it seems most days revolved around trying to pretend life was not what it was. I distanced myself from friends and family.

I think that children of alcoholics tend to grow up confused. I wanted to disappear, yet at the same time I longed so deeply to be loved even though I had no idea what that...

More..

Helpful Links

Characteristics Quiz


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Common characteristics of an adult child of an alcoholic

Poem


photo by Sister72

Broken

Broken promises, shattered dreams
Lying alone in the dark of night
Trying to hide the silent screams
Hoping for joy in the morning light

A broken heart who can bare?
Living in denial and constant fright
Hope any longer do you even dare?
Trying to make everything right

You struggled to give your all
There’s no more to give
Now hiding behind a self made wall
Knowing you must forgive

Hands folded in silent prayer.
Knowing you have to go on
Not even sure you really care
Waiting for a new day to dawn.

By

Carolina Coy

  • The Sierra Vista Herald | 2009/12/22 05:20:40
    No descr  • 9/12 Project (conservative values group): Second Saturday (except for Oct. meeting will be Oct. 17), 3 p.m., Sierra Vista Library,912projectcochisecounty@gmail.com, (602) 769-0312 or search meetup.com. • AARP Chapter 3123: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 1 p.m., Ethel Berger Center, 459-2655. • Adult Children of Alcoholics: Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., Village ...
  • Guardian Unlimited | 2009/12/20 16:15:38
    Encompassing the belligerent, the banal and the plain brilliant, this deftly edited collection of essays shines, says Adam Mars-Jones A New Literary History of America is described in its cover copy as "America singing, celebrating itself, and becoming altogether different, plural, singular, new," but luckily the contents don't bear out this frighteningly wholesome agenda. The publishers might ...
  • Exeter News-Letter | 2009/12/22 07:18:29
    n Alcoholics anonymous: holds meetings daily throughout the Seacoast. For meeting or general information on New Hampshire Alcoholics Anonymous, call (800) 593-3330 or visit www.nhaa.net.
  • PhysOrg | 2009/12/18 22:00:51
    Excessive sway during quiet standing is a common and significant consequence of chronic alcoholism, even after prolonged sobriety, and can lead to fall-related injury and even death. A new study of residual postural instability in alcohol-abstinent men and women shows that alcoholics improve with prolonged sobriety, but the improvement may not fully erase the problem of instability.
  • Keokuk Daily Gate City | 2009/12/21 20:27:54
    City of Christmas holiday display open –– 5 p.m. to midnight, Rand Park, Keokuk. Alcoholics Anonymous, Keokuk Serenity Group meeting –– 5 p.m., 27 N. Fourth St., Keokuk. Closed meeting, non-smoking.

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Helpful Information at Your Fingertips.

Comments (1 to 9 of 9)

Carolina Dream Coy
Jan 21, 09 at 03:11 AM
Thanks Angela. Just looked at yours excellent job.
AngelaCharles
Jan 21, 09 at 02:22 AM
Excellent Site! I have a site on Teen Drinking.
Carolina Dream Coy
Jan 17, 09 at 01:11 AM
thank you Julie I haven't read that I will have to check it out.
Julie Fonda
Jan 17, 09 at 01:01 AM
Great site! I will check in often. . . Have you read "On the Family" -- by John Bradshaw? I had to read it for school, and now I refer to it all the time because it helped so much. Julie
Carolina Dream Coy
Jan 16, 09 at 10:16 PM
Thank you
Ann Marie Dwyer
Jan 16, 09 at 07:56 PM
Great information! A terrific answer to a huge need.
Carolina Dream Coy
Jan 08, 09 at 03:09 PM
Thank you both. I am really hoping this zone will help someone.
Diane Quinn
Jan 07, 09 at 10:33 PM
WONDERFUL idea for a zone! Good job, Carolina.
Cyn Bagley
Jan 06, 09 at 04:47 PM
Very nice!
Journalist: Carolina Dream Coy
Company: Public Library
Title: Director of Technology...
Helium member since Jan 20, 07
Number of Zones: 2

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