Social educator’s help for children from families encountering alcohol addiction problems

Abstract

This article analyzes the necessity and possibilities for helping children living in families dealing with alcohol addiction problems. Based on two qualitative research studies, we suggest two goals for helping these children while stressing the importance of having suitable alternatives for counseling them at locations other than school. . The two aims consist of teaching children how to live with alcohol addicts and how to take responsibility for their own lives. The research also shows that children are afraid of being stigmatized by being associated with alcoholic families so social educators must carefully handle any group therapy at school. Otherwise, social educators must offer other alternatives for group counseling at locations off school premises like children’s day centres, multi-purpose community centres, parish halls, etc. No matter the location, social educators provide help by talking individually with children and their families, publicizing information about other social support organizations, offering community education on the harmful and dangerous consequences of alcohol abuse, and organizing proactive and preventive workshops to curtail the problems resulting from the abuse of alcohol.