Children of Alcoholics
Running head: CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS
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Children of Alcoholics A Counseling Group Proposal in a High School Setting Ashley Foster & Dan Ladig Ball State University
Running head: CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS
2
Introduction Children of alcoholics (COAs) represent a significant portion of the population. It is estimated that 9,700,000 children (or 15% of the 66 million children) seventeen years of age or younger are living with an adult diagnosed with alcohol abuse or dependence in the past year (Lambie & Sias, 2005). Families with an alcoholic member are often characterized by denial, secrecy, and isolation, which prevents family members from talking about their situation. This means that the number of COAs could be significantly higher (Arman & McNair, 2000). School-aged COAs have been shown to be at higher risk for social and emotional problems than children of non-alcoholics. Research has found COAs to have more than twice as great a risk of displaying internalizing symptoms, depression symptoms, and socially deviant behavior (Christensen & Bilenberg, 2000) and COAs report lower self-esteem than non-COAs (Post & Robinson, 1998). Although it is now a well-known fact that there are millions of COAs who are at-risk and in need of services, studies show that only 5% actually receive the services they need (Riddle, 1997). Schools provide the opportune setting to reach out to COAs. All children attend school and many COAs may feel more comfortable at school than at home. School counselors can set up programs to reach COAs. Also, school systems are generally connected to a wide range of community agencies, so outside services may be mobilized to help COAs when additional help is needed (O’Rourke, 1990). Rationale for Group The group we are proposing will focus on developing coping skills as well as teaching the disease model of addiction. Psycho-education has been a foundation for many proposed
Running head: CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS
3
groups for COAs
1
Children of Alcoholics A Counseling Group Proposal in a High School Setting Ashley Foster & Dan Ladig Ball State University
Running head: CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS
2
Introduction Children of alcoholics (COAs) represent a significant portion of the population. It is estimated that 9,700,000 children (or 15% of the 66 million children) seventeen years of age or younger are living with an adult diagnosed with alcohol abuse or dependence in the past year (Lambie & Sias, 2005). Families with an alcoholic member are often characterized by denial, secrecy, and isolation, which prevents family members from talking about their situation. This means that the number of COAs could be significantly higher (Arman & McNair, 2000). School-aged COAs have been shown to be at higher risk for social and emotional problems than children of non-alcoholics. Research has found COAs to have more than twice as great a risk of displaying internalizing symptoms, depression symptoms, and socially deviant behavior (Christensen & Bilenberg, 2000) and COAs report lower self-esteem than non-COAs (Post & Robinson, 1998). Although it is now a well-known fact that there are millions of COAs who are at-risk and in need of services, studies show that only 5% actually receive the services they need (Riddle, 1997). Schools provide the opportune setting to reach out to COAs. All children attend school and many COAs may feel more comfortable at school than at home. School counselors can set up programs to reach COAs. Also, school systems are generally connected to a wide range of community agencies, so outside services may be mobilized to help COAs when additional help is needed (O’Rourke, 1990). Rationale for Group The group we are proposing will focus on developing coping skills as well as teaching the disease model of addiction. Psycho-education has been a foundation for many proposed
Running head: CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS
3
groups for COAs
References: Source: Morganett, R. S. (1990). Skills for living: Group counseling activities for young adolescents. Champaign, Ill: Research Press Appendix F Source: Renate, R. & Stockton, R. (1993). The group as an effective medium for working with children of chemically dependent families. The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 18(4),182-188.