Adult Children of Alcoholics :

The concept of adult children of alcoholics (ACoA) has received wide public recognition and acceptance. An ACoA is defined as any adult who, as a child, was reared by one or two alcoholic parents. To date research has not sufficiently addressed the many questions generated by the grass roots movement, such as whether or not adult children of alcoholics take themselves too seriously or whether or nct they have difficulty having fun. Four research areas useful to educators, therapists, and adults raised by alcoholic parents are transmission of alcoholism, family disruption, "personality, and general studies of adaptation. Adults who were raised by alcoholic parents have had different developmental experiences than adults who were not raised by alcoholic parents. Adult children of alcoholics are considered a population at risk. Group therapy and family therapy are two treatments currently being used with ACoAs. Issues brought forth by grass roots movements need to be substantiated before valuable prevention resources are invested. The treatment industry needs to be evaluated. Changing patterns of alcoholism also need to be investigated. (Resources for adult children of alcoholics are listed.) (ABL) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ***********************************************************************