Unburden Yourself From Your Parent’s Alcoholism

A report published in 2017 says that about 10.5 percent of Americans ages 17 and younger were living with at least one alcoholic parent. Alcoholism affects not only the drinker but also his (or her) spouse, kids, siblings and parents. The influences are emotionally devastating, especially to the kids of the alcoholic(s). If that describes your childhood, you could be still be suffering.

About one in eight people in the U.S. is an adult child of an alcoholic (ACOA). Life as an ACOA isn’t easy, but it’s treatable, and a mental health therapist can help you deal with your feelings. The office of Mars & Venus Counseling Center gives our patients personalized compassion and understanding. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and kindhearted care each patient. Our therapists are extremely well versed in the ACOA condition and how to treat it.

If you grew up with an alcoholic parent, ask yourself if you are: 

• Afraid of authority figures.
• Always seeking approval.
• Scared by people when they get angry.
• Rattled when you receive personal criticism.
• Scared of being abandoned.
• Prone to feeling guilty when we stand up for yourself.
• Harsh with self-judgment.
• Afraid to ask for support of any kind. 
• The spouse of an alcoholic. 
• Afraid of or take great measures to avoid certain types of events and/or situations; and, despite intense self-analyzation, you can’t figure out the reason behind your fears. 
• Drawn to people you consider inferior to you and avoid people you consider superior to you.  
• Constantly worry about being rejected by loved ones and friends. 

The therapists at the office of Mars & Venus Counseling Center are eager to help you come to grips with the emotions that go with being an ACOA. If you feel shame or embarrassment about your condition, know that we are not here to judge you. Rather, we are here to help you uncover feelings that are tough to address. We will help you sort them out and release the stranglehold it has on you. Please contact us to discover how we can help you!