Many of us assume that, so long as we’re not "alcoholics," there is little wrong with drinking around our children. After all, it is certainly socially acceptable to enjoy a drink on occasion – in fact, many occasions! Winding down after work, toasting a happy occasion, gathering with friends, cheering a game underway, easing the ache when we’re sad or lonely, summoning a little liquid courage, indulging our rage when we’re mad – all seem fitting occasions to tip a glass or two (or more). But sometimes we neglect to see the youthful eyes that are watching every move we make and what they are learning in those moments.

Doesn’t it seem apparent to them that, in order to have a good time or express emotion, it is necessary to include alcohol? After all, Mom or Dad sure do seem happier, surrounded by friends, drink in hand. The laughter and genuine pleasure get all tangled into an association with the ever-present third ingredient – alcohol and often lots of it. Think about it. How often do your festive gatherings NOT include beer, wine or liquor? Have you tried to have fun without them, lately? Have your children routinely seen you and your friends having fun without that liquid sidekick?

What will they conclude?

The Center for Family Alcohol Awareness and Research, Inc. (CFAAR) is an outreach effort to raise awareness in families of the adverse effects on children of parents’ casual alcohol use. CFAAR is different from other alcohol-related programs, because it is an awareness - not a Stop Drinking - program. Its primary goal is to increase parents’ understanding of what they are teaching their children about the use of alcohol and other drugs by their own conscious and unconscious behaviors. CFAAR seeks to awaken parents to the lifelong legacies of alcohol and drug use on their children and families, to serve families and children who have been significantly impacted by alcohol and/or drug abuse, to help adults and teenagers become more conscious of the consequences of their choices, to discover the root causes of alcohol/drug abuse through research, and to introduce the possibility of new generational patterns that will serve to create a profound sense of connection in our society where every voice can be heard in a way that matters.

(a)    Increase the awareness of parents that their children are observing their drinking patterns (and any drug use) and will imitate their parents’ behaviors in their own lives.  (We believe that this is instrumental in the increased number of teenagers turning to alcohol and drugs in our society today in order to artificially manage their stress and uncomfortable emotions as well as to “celebrate” their successes.);

(b)   Raise the awareness of parents of the lifelong legacies (potentially either positive and/or negative) that their pattern of drinking alcohol creates in their children’s lives;

(c)    Raise the awareness among adults/parents of the dramatic effects that the irresponsible use of alcohol and other drugs has on children, relationships, friends, and the stability of families;

(d)   Encourage treatment, education, and total abstinence for parents who discover that they suffer from the disease of alcoholism or drug addiction;

(e)    Raise the awareness, and focus attention on, the central place our society customarily gives to drinking alcohol in social and recreational situations, and suggest alternative replacement behaviors;

(f)    Raise the awareness of parents and teenagers of the importance of drinking responsibly. Our country has lost far too many young lives as a result of individuals using alcohol and drugs for purposes other than it was intended;

(g)   Teach adults, particularly parents, how to interact and connect with each other and most importantly with children in a genuine way rather than artificially through the effects of alcohol or other drugs; and

(h)   Teach children the skills to interact and connect with each other and with adults in a genuine way.

CFAAR is primarily educational in its purpose, but over time it may conduct scientific research to further  awareness of the consequences of drinking around children. Representatives of The Center for Family Alcohol Awareness and Research are available to speak and teach in public and private gatherings of people who are interested in learning more about its message. These gatherings might be hosted by schools, conferences, hospitals, businesses, neighborhood meetings and meetings of other organizations with an interest in the message of CFAAR. Public-service announcements created and produced by CFAAR for broadcast on radio, television and the Web can be used to reach a broader audience.

The Center seeks information about other organizations and government entities that are involved in related activities, so that it can serve as a resource clearinghouse and refer individuals seeking additional services and information about alcohol and drug use and their effects on children.

CFAAR is based in Atlanta and plans to launch a global campaign – “If Only You Knew” – to broaden the understanding of addiction.

If only you knew... if only they had known…just as we did not know…and our parents did not know…and no one will know…until the silence is broken. This is our gift to all parents so that they can be the gift they are meant to be to their children.

 
CFAAR is proud to offer FREE Community calls geared toward helping to raise awareness of how alcohol affects families.  Click HERE for more information.