Date of Defense

Spring 4-20-1998

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Robert Wait, Sociology

Second Advisor

Gregory Boothroyd, Counseling and Testing Center

Third Advisor

Dennis Simpson, Community Health Services

Abstract

Alcoholism is a chronic disease manifested by repeated drinking that produces damage to the drinker's health, interpersonal relations, or social and economic functioning. It is a problem that not only effects the life of the alcoholic, but family members as well. The onset of alcoholism produces a cumulative crisis for the entire family. Family members find themselves in an unstructured unpredictable environment. This paper consists of two primary components. Part one utilizes family systems theory to facilitate understanding of common repeated interpersonal patterns of action, feeling, and thinking in alcoholic families. The second part focuses on characteristics of teenagers in alcoholic homes. It discusses how growing up in an alcoholic home impacts the psychological development of children. This section proposes remedial activities such as Alateen and mentor relationships, which are therapeutic methods for assisting adolescents living in alcoholic families.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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