Parental separation or divorce during childhood and parental history of alcoholism are two among a host of risks-factors examined. Compared to children from intact families, children whose parents separate report more frequent use of alcohol and other drugs during adolescence (Doherty and Needle, 1991; Donovan and Molina, 2011; Hoffman and Su, 1995; Short, 1998), with higher rates of problem use also observed (Fergusson et al., 1994; Hoffman and Johnson, 1998). Compared to children of nonalcoholic parents, children of alcoholics (COAs) initiate alcohol and other drug use at younger ages (Chassin et al., 1991; Wong et al., 2006) and likewise report more frequent use of a range of substance classes (Chassin et al., 1996; Sher et al., 1991). COAS also report higher rates of problem use, particularly problem drinking (Lieb et al., 2002; Russell, 1990; Schuckit and Smith, 1996).
