From prevention to treatment. Issues for school-aged children of alcoholics

Empirical and anecdotal evidence concerning the variables that mediate and moderate the relationship between parental alcoholism and child vulnerability has been used as the basis for a growing number of prevention and treatment programs for school-aged children of alcoholics. Common intervention foci include information on alcohol and alcoholism, the dynamics of alcoholic families, common social and emotional reactions (e.g., embarrassment, loneliness, guilt, depression, anger), skill building (e.g., problem solving, communication, expression of feelings), coping strategies for living in an alcoholic home, and general social and emotional support. The primary modality is a small group, which is usually time-limited. Groups are conducted in schools, community agencies, and mental health or drug treatment centers. Research on the effectiveness of several of these programs has yielded positive results with respect to a variety of psychosocial measures, although most studies share some common methodological shortcomings (e.g., lack of appropriate control groups, lack of longitudinal assessments of effects). More rigorous evaluation, as well as continued and expanded program development and outreach, is recommended.