Childhood family influences on risk of alcoholism

1. The self-destructive behavior of chronic, excessive drinking is motivated by self-hatred in combination with ambivalent expressions of ambition and dependency. These sources of vulnerability to alcoholism develop in early childhood. 2. The protective influence of a favorable, stable self-evaluation is indicated by characteristics of occupational groups with a low incidence of alcoholism, such as monarchs and Presidents of the United States. 3. Characteristics of the personal name may influence development of self-esteem. In a small sample of Presidents and brothers of Presidents with drinking problems, most had a brother with the same first name as the admired, successful father. 4. Primary prevention should help parents to recognize the child's need for love, tolerance, and responsibility. These influences enable the child to develop autonomy and self-esteem.