Dos n don'ts while Dating the Child of an Alcoholic


 Dating the child of an alcoholic can be tough. The child of an alcoholic may feel like they are constantly trying to please their parent by being "perfect", which can lead to difficulty in establishing boundaries with the child's other adults in their life. It is important for the parent that knows about the alcoholism to be supportive and not judgmental.


Dating the child of an alcoholic is never easy. It takes a lot of patience and understanding, not to mention self-awareness. Yet, there are some steps you can take to make dating someone who has an alcohol problem easier. For example, if you are attracted to this person's intelligence or sense of humor, it is important for you to make sure that your relationship doesn't revolve solely around their addiction.

What is an alcoholic? 

An addict who is unable to get and keep a job, or an addict who loses the ability to control his or her emotions. An alcoholic is somebody who has an extensive tolerance to alcohol and cannot drink small amounts of alcohol without becoming intoxicated. Alcoholics are at risk for alcoholism, which can lead to addiction. 

An alcoholic who can't manage his or her affairs, or an alcoholic who becomes a danger to himself or others. 


About 6% of adults in the United States suffer from alcohol use disorder (also called alcoholism). They drink heavily and they don't stop. Alcoholism can ruin one's life and that of everyone around them. 

How do you know if someone is an alcoholic?

What defines if someone is an alcoholic? One can tell fairly easily for most people by observing lots of small things. Alcoholics go through a state called “dipsomania,” or a craving for alcohol that is always present. Alcoholics will avoid their responsibilities and isolate themselves from family and friends to be able to drink uninhibitedly.

What are the pros and cons of being in a relationship with an alcoholic?

 Relationships with alcoholics can be difficult. It is important to know what you are getting into when entering these relationships, so you can better prepare for the difficulties that may come your way. For starters, because alcoholism can bring out less desirable qualities in someone’s personality, the relationship is likely to be very stressful and arguments are more likely to happen. Most importantly, you need to remember that the alcoholic is not necessarily thinking about you or their children when they're drinking. 

What are my experiences with dating an alcoholic?

 Dating an alcoholic can be a difficult and tricky process. It can either turn into a fulfilling and loving experience, or it can turn into a very sad and hurtful one. It is important to be mindful of the person's history and their addiction before making any decisions. 

Final Thoughts 

Many people are aware of the problem of addiction to alcohol, but know little about how addiction impacts children. Not only do children suffer through witnessing their parent's drinking, they also bear the brunt of abuse that often accompanies addiction. As the child grows into adulthood, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to find love and happiness because their upbringing has created a mental barrier that prevents them from opening up.

One of the most difficult relationships to maintain is that of a child and their alcoholic parent. It is nearly impossible to keep the peace in the household when a parent is drunk, especially if they are abusive or neglectful. The family dynamic will never be normal, and any other siblings will grow up feeling as though they have no control over what's going on.