The influences of parental alcoholism on health are wide-reaching and reflect both genetic and environmental factors (Grant, 2000). Because of the substantial number of children exposed to parental alcoholism and its deleterious effects, a substantial body of research has emerged examining the effects of parental alcoholism and factors mediating these effects. Findings include increased risk of drug and alcohol dependence (Chassin et al., 1999; Christoffersen and Soothill, 2003; Schuckit et al., 2000), and numerous psychosocial disadvantages (e.g. increased odds of being involved in violence, premature death, family separation, and unemployment (Christoffersen and Soothill, 2003)). Furthermore, there is substantial evidence that familial alcoholism is associated with (but perhaps not independently responsible for) increased risk of mood and anxiety disorders (Merikangas et al., 1998; Preuss et al., 2002).
