Alcoholism’s Effect on Childhood Development
Alcoholism not only affects those drinking, but those around them as well. Children of alcoholics suffer the most in these instances. Preventing your children from being exposed to the effects of alcohol can be a powerful motivator for treatment in any individual.
Drinking While Pregnant and Childhood Development
Newer research demonstrates that children in the womb consume everything that the mother does, including alcohol. The umbilical cord and placenta connect the baby to the mother’s blood supply, facilitating the rapid transport of anything the mother ingests to the fetus. Alcohol directly influences the growth of the developing fetus and can even cause miscarriage.
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) has been heavily studied in the recent past. In 1973, the first description of FAS was recorded, and at that time, it was noted that the main characteristics were the appearance of facial abnormalities. Other symptoms of FAS include growth retardation and delays in cognitive development. Another syndrome that occurs when a pregnant mother consumes alcohol is fetal alcohol effects (FAE). Hyperactivity problems, issues with focus and attention, and general problems with learning and memory occur in these children. Unfortunately, alcohol-related syndromes are not uncommon in American infants: one in 750 infants is born with one of these conditions.
In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, children with FAS and FAE can experience any combination of the following:
- Intellectual deficits, particularly in arithmetic
- Attention disorders
- Poor planning skills
- Diminished cognitive flexibility
- Impairment in learning new material
- Trouble with recall
- Impaired social judgment
- Poor interpersonal skills
- Antisocial behavior
Parental Alcoholism and Childhood Development
In light of recent research done by University at Buffalo’s Research Institute on Addictions (RIA), it has become apparent that alcohol abuse in fathers directly impacts child development. Studies were conducted to examine a variety of developmental factors at various ages. Specific milestones were tracked in children at 12, 18 and 24 months of age while researchers looked at social, emotional and cognitive development characteristics.
The behaviors of parents that can have an impact of children included the following:
- Less interaction with their child
- More negative emotions expressed around their child
- More aggravation with their child
- Less sensitive in their parenting
- Not aware of, or guided by, their child’s behavior
- More symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Temper tantrums
Need Help Finding Centers for Alcoholism Treatment?
If you’re an alcoholic who is pregnant or has a child, it’s time to recognize what you’re doing to him or her and put a stop to it. Give us a call. You can have a confidential conversation with someone who can help you find alcohol treatment help that will make you a productive member of your family again.
