Children of Alcoholics Week: RCADD Offers 12-Step Program

Almost half of America’s children are being raised in households that suffer from an alcohol addiction and it affects all children mentally, physically and their education as well.

This week is Children of Alcoholics (COA) Week from Feb. 13-19.

“For more than two decades COA Week has called attention to the one in four children under the age of 18 who are exposed to a family alcohol problem, and the countless others affected by parental drug abuse,” said Robert Lindsay, President/CEO, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

“During this week we focus our efforts on these children who often live in homes that are stressful, sometimes frightening, and acknowledge that they are sometimes abused, sometimes neglected.  In preschool they have poorer language skills.  In school they are at risk for being distracted, worried, and absent.  Throughout life, their health risks are greater-both mentally and physically.  More importantly, COA Week is a time to get out the critical follow-up message that supportive adults and programs can make a difference in their lives.”

Rockland Council on Alcoholism and other Drug Dependence, Inc. (RCADD) hosts a 12-step meeting 6:30 – 7:30p.m. every Thursday called the Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA)

Each year the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) presents COA Week to bring awareness to the millions of children who are affected or exposed to family alcohol problem.

RCADD and NACoA joined to encourage communities to be a part of this year’s observance:

“Making a Difference in the Life of COAs and Honoring Recovery – An Annual Celebration of Hope and Healing.” 

“Nick News with Linda Ellerbee” will broadcast Under the Influence:  Kids of Alcoholics 6 p.m. Feb. 15 as a special new tool for COA Week 2011.

“We are thrilled that Nick News will re-air the show in connection with COA Week 2011,” said Lindsay. “Nick News will be promoting this special with a homepage feature of www.teennick.com and they are creating a blog post for Feb. 15 that will include a link to the entire show, available for viewing on both www.teennick.com and www.nick.com through the month of February."

NACoA has been the leading national voice for children and families adversely impactedby alcohol and drug use for 27 years. Children raised in households with substance abuse problems are at risk to perpetuate the cycle, more so than kids who are raised in homes without substance abuse.

According to NACoA,

“Children of alcoholics may be hampered by their inability to grow in developmentally healthy ways.” Therefore, Children of Alcoholics Week promotes awareness to the smallest and most innocent victims of alcohol and substance abuse, those who may not be able to speak up for themselves. COA Week celebrates the recovery of the thousands of children of all ages who received the help needed to recover from the pain and losses suffered in their childhood and it offers hope to those still suffering from the adverse impact of parental alcohol and drug addiction through educational programs, proclamations by mayors and governors, poster contests in schools, and radio, television and print media."

For more information please call the RCADD office at 845-215-9788 ext.25