In homes affected by alcoholism, children often grow up in an atmosphere of unpredictability, isolation, and emotional strain. Many adult children of alcoholic parents are now opening up about the lifelong impacts they endured—and the healing journeys they’ve undertaken.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Rashi K. shared the emotional turmoil of growing up with a father who battled alcoholism. “I remember always feeling on edge,” she said. “There were good days, and then there were days I was terrified of what might happen next.” Rashi’s story reflects a pattern common to many children of alcoholic parents, where the inconsistency of a caregiver’s behaviour leaves emotional scars that linger into adulthood. These children often live in fear of an outburst or accident, forced to navigate a world where safety is never guaranteed.
Another interviewee, Rohan M., spoke about the long-term effects of emotional neglect. “I became the caregiver at a very young age. I was the one making sure my younger siblings ate, and that we got to school on time,” he shared. “It was exhausting, and I didn’t realise until later how much it impacted my sense of self-worth.” This sense of “parentification”—when a child assumes an adult role due to parental inadequacy—is another common theme. Studies have shown that children thrust into such roles often experience guilt, anxiety, and a loss of childhood that can be difficult to recover.
Many of these adult children describe the lasting impact on their self-esteem and mental health. “I went through years of feeling unworthy and blaming myself,” said Ananya R., now in her 30s. “I kept thinking, ‘Maybe if I had been better, he would have stopped drinking.’” This feeling of guilt and self-blame is tragically common, with many children assuming their parent’s struggles are somehow their fault. These beliefs can lead to long-term issues with self-image, making it difficult to form healthy relationships later in life.
Therapy has proven essential for many in the process of healing. Rashi described her experience with counselling, saying, “It was liberating to finally say out loud what I had kept inside for so long. I could finally let go of the shame that wasn’t mine to carry.” Support groups like Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACoA) have also been a refuge for people like Rohan. “Hearing others talk about similar struggles helped me realise I wasn’t alone,” he said. “It’s given me a sense of belonging and hope I didn’t have before.”
In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of how crucial support and therapy are for children of alcoholic parents. Through counselling, these individuals learn to redefine their past experiences, release misplaced guilt, and rebuild their self-esteem. They’re also learning the importance of self-compassion. “It was like unlearning everything I’d been taught to feel about myself,” Ananya explained. “Being kind to myself didn’t come naturally, but it’s been life-changing.”
For those who have lived through such childhood trauma, finding a new sense of identity, purpose, and belonging can be a long process. But with growing awareness and support, more people are finding the strength to overcome their past and build a fulfilling future. As Rashi puts it, “I’m finally starting to live for myself, not the trauma of my childhood.” Children of Alcoholic Parents Speak Out: A Journey from Trauma to Healing
In homes affected by alcoholism, children often grow up in an atmosphere of unpredictability, isolation, and emotional strain. Many adult children of alcoholic parents are now opening up about the lifelong impacts they endured—and the healing journeys they’ve undertaken.
