National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center

Description
Approximately one in four children is exposed to family alcoholism or addiction, or alcohol abuse, some time before the age of 18. Current research suggests children are less likely to drink when their parents are involved with them and when they and their parents report feeling close to each other. Adolescents drink less and have fewer alcohol-related problems when their parents discipline them consistently and set clear expectations. Children of alcoholics are significantly more likely to initiate drinking during adolescence and to develop alcohol use disorders. Parents' drinking behaviors and favorable attitudes about drinking have been associated with adolescents' initiating and continuing drinking. Any drinking during pregnancy, even "social drinking," can put offspring at risk for learning and behavioral problems during adolescence. This brochure discusses how alcohol abuse affects the world of a child and answers questions for families, children, the community, and schools.