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Will I Pass Alcoholism to My Kids?

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Alcoholism does have some genetic links, but thankfully passing on a gene for alcoholism does not mean your children will be alcoholics. There are a number of other factors that can contribute to or have an influence on the chances for alcoholism and genetics is only one of these factors. The best way to help protect your children from alcoholism is by opening up and being honest about your experience with alcoholism and how they can stay sober. No matter what you tell your children, the very best way for them to learn behaviors is by watching your example.

Alcoholism in the Family

While it doesn’t mean that someone with alcoholism had a family member with alcoholism, there is also a genetic link to the drinking addiction. Through genetics, children can inherit a genetic predisposition to alcoholism. The good news is that it’s only a predisposition and not a guarantee. You can educate your children as a safeguard to help to keep them away from alcoholism.

Other Behavior-Influencing Factors

Environment is another factor that can lead to alcoholism. This is another reason why it’s so important for adults to mind what they do in the home. What children see around them has a profound impact on them at that moment in time as well as later in their lives. So it’s not just what you do, but what others around them do that can have an impact.

Leading Your Children Away from Alcoholism

When it comes to protecting your children from alcoholism, actions speak louder than words. While you certainly want to educate them about the dangers of alcohol abuse and addiction, you may actually make the most effective efforts by modeling your own behaviors to match your words. As a client in recovery from alcoholism, speak to your children openly and honestly about your struggles with alcohol and the effects it has had on your life. Keep these conversations age-appropriate as the years go by.

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If you are an alcoholism treatment client it means you’ve already taken the initiative to turn your life around. You are setting a shining example to inspire your children to lead a healthier and more positive life like your life in recovery from alcoholism.

Along with speaking to your children and leading by example, be sure to know the potential signs of alcohol abuse – particularly in the case of teenagers and young adults. You can help steer your children in the right direction before they’ve gone down the road of addiction.

If you or someone you love is having problems with alcohol abuse, chemical dependency or addiction, recovery from a drug abuse program, like the one at Destination Hope, may be the answer.  Remember that recovery from addiction and alcohol abuse treatment means learning how to cope with intensely emotional situations, and identifying when you need help and support.  Treatment for addiction relapse, counseling, and aftercare can help you do this, so please call us today. Destination Hope is a full-service addiction and health treatment facility in Florida for men and women who suffer from substance abuse and behavioral health issues.

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