Children of Alcoholics Week takes place annually on Valentine’s Day week and this year it will be held on February 9. This annual campaign raises awareness about the plight of children affected by parental alcohol problems. It aims to break the silence and offer hope to the vulnerable children impacted by parental addiction. The organization conducts awareness programs and provides useful resources to children who are growing up under the shadow of alcohol addiction. The week provides tools and information to help children understand the causes of addiction and how they can cope, despite their family’s situation.
History of Children of Alcoholics Week
Children of Alcoholics Week is organized by the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA). It is an annual campaign to raise awareness about the plight of children affected by parental alcohol problems. It aims to break the silence and offer hope to the vulnerable children impacted by parental addiction. The organization reports that the impact of alcohol addiction on children today is staggering. In America, about one in four children below the age of 18 have at least one addicted parent.
According to NACoA, some children can find a supportive adult who can help protect them from the worst while others may be alone, not knowing that help is available. Therefore, caring adults must stand up for the children, bring support, hope, and ultimately healing. Concerning the proposed impact of Children of Alcoholics Week, NACoA states that one of the aims of the organization is to break the silence engulfing and trapping kids and teens living with parental addiction. The organization also seeks to offer chances for children at this risk to become children of promise.
NACoA provides comprehensive resources to assist children of alcoholics when they need help alongside valuable information about addiction, programs, books, and answers to questions kids might have. In addition to the U.K. and the U.S., Children of Alcoholics Awareness Week is also recognized in Finland, Germany, India, Switzerland, Ireland, Korea, and Slovenia.
Children of Alcoholics Week timeline
The term 'alcoholism' first appears in the classical essay “Alcoholismus Chronicus” written by the Swedish physician Magnus Huss.
Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is founded by Bill Wilson and Bob Smith in Ohio, U.S.A.
The American Medical Association officially recognizes alcoholism as a disease.
The National Association for Children of Addiction is established in California, U.S.A.
Children of Alcoholics Week FAQs
What do children experience when they grow up with an alcoholic?
They can experience loneliness, depression, anxiety, guilt, anger issues, and an inability to trust.
Does alcohol change a person's personality?
Excessive drinking can impact one’s personality by altering their moods and emotions.
What is the final stage in the development of alcoholism?
The final stage of alcoholism is addiction.
How to Observe Children of Alcoholics Week
Speak up about this problem
This is the time to speak up and break the painful silence. If you or someone you know is negatively impacted by parental addiction of any kind, seek help or raise an alarm immediately.
Give towards this worthy cause
Donations go a long way in providing support to children in need. Show your support by donating money to charity organizations to help kids in need.
Use the hashtag
Children of Alcoholics Week always has a hashtag each year. Find the hashtag and then get onto social media and use it to spread the word.
5 Fascinating Facts About Alcoholism
Alcoholic beverages
The "alcohol" in alcoholic beverages known as ethanol is the only type of alcohol that can be taken without serious damage to the body system.
A depressant
Alcohol slows down brain activity, thereby acting as a depressant.
A shot of dopamine
Alcohol triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and satisfaction.
Commonly misused
About one in eight American adults are diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder, making alcohol one of the most commonly misused addictive substances.
It is genetic
Half of the people diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder are ruled genetic.
Why Children of Alcoholics Week is Important
It raises awareness
Children of Alcoholics Week raises awareness about the plight of children who are suffering as a result of parental addiction. It alerts the public and spurs us to take helpful action.
It brings hope
This week also offers hope to children of alcoholics, who often feel alone and isolated. Children of Alcoholics Week is a reminder to them that they are not alone and encourages them to seek assistance.
It erases guilt
Many children of alcoholics often feel that they are somehow at fault for their parent's addiction. Through the various resources and learning kits provided by organizations, children are assured that the addiction of a parent is never the fault of the child and this opens the door to healing from guilt and shame.
Children of Alcoholics Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 13 | Sunday |
| 2023 | February 12 | Sunday |
| 2024 | February 11 | Sunday |
| 2025 | February 9 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 8 | Sunday |
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