BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ADDICTION - PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION WITH CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS

Children of alcoholics (COA's) are at increased risk for behavioral an d emotional problems, including alcoholism. Research has helped guide the design of prevention and intervention programs aimed at reducing t his risk. Currently, most such programs for COA's use a short-term, sm all-group format, often conducted within schools. Broad-based communit y programs are another promising option, but have not been sufficientl y studied. Generally, interventions include alcoholism education, trai ning in coping skills and social competence, social support, and healt hy alternative activities. Increased interaction between basic researc h and intervention may lead to improved services for COA's.