Teenagers Children of Abstinent Chemical Dependents: How do They Relate to Alcohol?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the perception of adolescents about alcohol consumption in families, in which at least one parent is a chemical dependent on abstinence. A qualitative exploratory research, based on the systemic paradigm was conducted. Four adolescents were interviewed using sociodemographic data questionnaire, semi-structured interview, Dilemmas interview and AUDIT-C. In the content analysis, four thematic categories were identified: (1) History and family context of substance abuse and abstinence (2) protection factors for the non-use of alcohol by adolescents, (3) Risk factors for the use of alcohol by Adolescents and (4) contradictions and ambivalence of adolescents regarding the use of alcohol. All adolescents interviewed had knowledge of the parent’s history regarding the chemical dependence and abstinence, which led them to avoid alcohol use. However, in one of the cases, the peer group and the transgenerational questions presented themselves as a risk factor. In the interview of dilemmas, the participants demonstrated ambivalence regarding the use of alcohol. We highlight the need of attention about the transgenerational factors involved in alcohol abuse and dependence.

Keywords

• adolescente
• pais
• relações familiares
• transtornos relacionados ao uso de substâncias