[Are children with alcohol embryopathy latent alcoholics? A study of the risk for developing dependence]

Within 3 years 48 caretakers and parents of children with fetal alcohol syndrome were asked about the childrens experience and contact with alcohol. The children were mainly raised in foster and adoptive families (40/48 cases), where usually moderate or restricted consumption of alcohol was common. The children were between 4-18 years (means = 7; 5) of age. In 5 children alcohol consumption was observed once or several times. Some children showed signs of increased desire for drinking alcohol. A substance related addiction was never observed until now. Nevertheless the risk of addiction development has to be considered as dangerous in any case of fetal alcohol syndrome. All conditions and risk factors for addiction development are present: a) Hereditary factors in the family of origin. b) Early use and adaption in the prenatal period by maternal drinking. c) The social surroundings and family. d) The particular structure of personality in these children, characterised by uncritical behavior, mental retardation, emotional instability and easy seduction. The risk of addiction development can be estimated to 30%. In a society of lacking alcohol prohibition it will be impossible to keep alcohol away from the children. As in dry alcoholics the children have to learn "to live in association with alcohol without drinking it". Besides it is important for the parents, that they learn to help their child to cope with the danger of alcohol. This ist possible by means of information, strengthening of a positive self-image and faith in the child's capacity for insight.