At least seven million American children have alcoholic parents. Child and adolescent psychiatrists know these children are at greater risk for having emotional problems than children whose parents are not alcoholics. Alcoholism runs in families, and children of alcoholics are four times more likely than other children to become alcoholics.

A child in such a family may have a variety of problems; Guilt, Anxiety, Embarrassment, Inability to have close relationships, Confusion, Anger, Depression. The child feels lonely and helpless to change the situation.

Some children of alcoholics may act like responsible "parents" within the family and among friends. They may cope with the alcoholism by becoming controlled, successful "overachievers" throughout school, and at the same time be emotionally isolated from other children and teachers. Their emotional problems may show only when they become adults.