CHILDREN COPING WITH ALCOHOLISM – 3

ACHIEVING HONESTY

Lying becomes the “norm” in an alcoholic family Lying evolves from the initial denial that the alcoholism exists, in the attempts to keep it secret from those outside the family, and from the denial of all the negative feelings associated with the problems.

Children in these families may also lie to prevent abuse from the alcoholic parent. In adulthood, this dishonesty is no longer effective in coping with problems and often creates worse problem.s, including an inability to acknowledge negative feelings.

The first step for the ACOA is to realize that he may have lied during childhood as a survival tactic, but that it is not appropriate or useful in adulthood.

Stopping dishonesty involves making an effort on a daily basis and not being too judgmental or harsh if there is not immediate and complete success.

Learning to acknowledge negative feelings improves the ACOA’s ability to be honest with himself and others.

This post has 9 parts as follows;

INTRODUCTION

1. FACING REALITY
2. COMPLETING PROJECTS
3. ACHIEVING HONESTY
4. ACCEPTING ONESELF
5. LEARNING TO HAVE FUN
6. DEVELOPING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
7. DEVELOPING INTERNAL VALIDATION
8. CONCLUSION

---

43 Things Tags: Al-anon, Disease, Families, Recovery, Self-help, Spiritual, Children, Alcoholism, Honesty, Lying, Denial, ACOA

Advertisement