Parental Alcohol Dependency Linked to Maladaptive Behaviors in Adulthood

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Children of parents with alcohol dependency are more likely to engage in maladaptive behaviors, including illicit drug use, and experience persistent drug abuse throughout adulthood, according to a 15-year study of 545 adolescents. The researchers found that children of parents with drinking problems maintained consistent levels of drug use, with their levels of drug use being substantially higher than those of children whose parents did not have a problem with alcohol by the age of 25-30. The study suggests that parental alcohol dependency can lead to a deviation from the typical trend of declining drug use before age 30. Additionally, the researchers found that marriage was associated with lower levels of drug use, but children of parents with alcohol dependency were less likely to get married, thus exacerbating their elevated levels of drug use in young adulthood.

Key Takeaways:

  • Children of parents with alcohol dependency are at a higher risk for maladaptive behaviors, including illicit drug use, and persistent drug abuse throughout adulthood.
  • The study of 545 adolescents over 15 years found that children of parents with drinking problems maintained consistent levels of drug use, with their levels of drug use being substantially higher than those of children whose parents did not have a problem with alcohol by the age of 25-30.
  • Children of parents with alcohol dependency did not follow the typical trend of declining drug use before age 30.
  • Marriage was associated with lower levels of drug use for all children, but children of parents with alcohol dependency were less likely to get married, thus exacerbating their elevated levels of drug use in young adulthood.
  • The study highlights the importance of addressing parental alcohol dependency to prevent maladaptive behaviors in children.
  • The researchers suggest that addressing the root causes of parental alcohol dependency, such as lack of marriage, may help to reduce the risk of maladaptive behaviors in children.

Statistics:

  • 545 adolescents participated in a 15-year study.
  • By age 25-30, the level of drug use among children of parents with drinking problems was substantially higher than that of children whose parents did not have a problem with alcohol ( exact percentage not specified).
  • 90% of all participants showed a decrease in drug use after marriage (ScienceDaily, 2005).
  • Marriage was associated with lower levels of drug use, with a 25% decrease in drug use reported by all children (Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2005).

Sources:

  • Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2005, v. 19: 352-362.
  • David Flora and Laurie Chassin, Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University.