Loving an Adult Child of an Alcoholic

The child of an alcoholic develops patterns of behavior during childhood which carry over into adult life. As children they were taught to cover up the family secret and suppress their feelings. No matter what is going on, as adults, when asked how she or he is doing your partner will likely answer "fine." Distrust, fear of abandonment, and sensitivity to criticism are all major issues for your adult child. Recognizing these patterns and changing the ones that cause problems will help you and your partner enjoy a deeper relationship. Is your partner an adult child of an alcoholic (ACOA)? Are you struggling with your relationship? Children of alcoholics develop patterns of behavior during childhood that carry over into adult life. As children, they were taught to cover up the family secret and suppress their feelings, and as adults, no matter what's going on, they'll always tell you they're fine. Distrust, fear of abandonment, and sensitivity to criticism are all major issues for ACOAs