A comparative study of interventions for adults traumatized by alcoholic parents

Absztrakt (kivonat)

This thesis explores the effects of parental alcoholism on children and how an adult child of an alcoholic may still have problems caused by a childhood with an alcoholic parent. In the literature review I summarized some existing studies of the effects of parental alcoholism on children and forms of therapy. I am comparing Finland and Hungary on this matter, how the policies are organized in these countries to help adult children of alcoholics, to gain insights to this issue I interviewed Finish and Hungarian children of alcoholics. For a specialist opinion, I had an interview with a Hungarian alcohol expert and a Finnish social worker. The main findings are that having an alcoholic parent does leave negative effects on a child and some of these effects can be seen in the adult life of those who had an alcoholic parent during childhood. The thesis reflects on differences between Finland and Hungary in policies when it comes to dealing with these issues.