Adult children of alcoholics or other addictions (ACoA) are individuals who grew up in families where one or both parents were struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol. ACoA is not limited to just alcoholism but can include other types of addiction as well, such as gambling, sex addiction, or prescription drug abuse.
Children of parents with addiction often experience trauma, neglect, and abuse, which can affect their emotional, physical, and social development. As adults, ACoA individuals may struggle with a range of issues, including low self-esteem, difficulties in relationships, anxiety, depression, and addiction themselves.
It is important for ACoA to seek out support and resources to help them heal from the effects of their childhood experiences. Therapy, support groups such as Al-Anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA), and self-help books are all valuable resources for ACoA. These resources can provide them with tools and strategies to develop healthy coping mechanisms, build self-awareness, and improve their overall well-being.
Therapy is an essential part of the healing process for adult children of alcoholics or other addictions (ACoA). ACoA therapy can help individuals to work through the impact of their childhood experiences, address any mental health or addiction issues, and develop coping skills to improve their overall well being as adults. Therapy can also focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It can help to identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs and behaviors that may have developed as a result of childhood experiences.
Therapy can also help ACoA clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, and how they may be affecting their current behaviors and relationships.
Family therapy can be particularly beneficial for ACoA, as it can provide a safe space to work through any unresolved issues with family members. It can also help to improve communication and build stronger relationships.
Many individuals have experienced trauma as a result of their childhood experiences. Trauma-focused therapy, can help individuals to work through the effects of trauma on their mental health and relationships.
Group therapy can provide a supportive environment for the ACoA to connect with others who have had similar experiences. Support groups such as Al-Anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) can also be helpful for ACoA.
It’s important for adult survivors to find a therapist who has experience working with individuals who have experienced childhood trauma and addiction. A therapist can help the ACoA to develop personalized strategies for healing and growth, and ongoing support.
The Psychotherapy and Training Collective of New York (PTCNY) is an alliance of mental health professionals licensed for independent private practice in New York and other states.
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Finding a therapist should not be a challenge. PTCNY provides many convenient ways to find a therapist, including searching by Name/Specialty, Areas of Specialization and Geographic Area.
Find a PTCNY Therapist to help with adult children of alcoholics or other addictions (ACoA)
PTCNY offers a broad range of therapists with many specialties. Below is a curated list of PTCNY therapists who specialize in helping adult children of alcoholics or other addictions (ACoA).