Alcoholism is a stigma which affects the lives of not just an alcoholic, but all the people around an alcoholic’s life especially his or her family. Children of alcoholics suffer the most especially when they were born into one or both parents who were already alcoholic even before they were born.
A parent’s alcoholism can result in deadly effects on an unborn child. Babies can suffer Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which is attributed as one of the top causes of birth defects in babies. The increase in frequency and amount of alcohol being consumed by the mother during pregnancy will heighten the risk of birth defects such as deformities of the brain, skull, eyes or even limbs. These poor children can have difficulty in development, learning, memory, and even social skills. They are often hyperactive but lack coordination in their speaking and hearing.
Children of alcoholics have low self-esteem. They may feel guilty and often lonely. They may be afraid of being abandoned and may suffer from depression. They even go to the extent of blaming themselves of their parents’ addiction to alcohol.
