Adult Children of Alcoholics: The Cycle of Dysfunction Continues

Dr. Cathy Reimers, Ph.D., psychologist in New Jersey, and co-host Jennifer Russello, parent in New Jersey, continue the discussion on alcoholism in the American family and the impact that alcoholic parents have on their children even into adulthood years.  In our last show, we discussed alcoholism as one of the most contributing factors to dysfunction in a family, particularly, the different roles that children take on in their family.  This week we will examine how adult children of alcoholics navigate through life, in their own relationships and raising their children. The “perfect family storm of alcoholism” is a vicious cycle that begins with one single sip for the alcoholic family member and only ends in “recovery” or continued treatment; however, the pain that the family endures goes deeper than “rock bottom” and may never end.