Families in Recovery

Study after study has shown that alcohol advertising works too well. Kids who are exposed to alcohol advertisements and who wear alcohol branded clothing are more likely to drink at younger ages and more likely to drink heavily. This is not just for kids. Adults who watch shows or movies where people are drinking tend to consume more alcohol than those who are watching shows with little or no alcohol.

There is a form of tacit consent in advertising - we more easily believe and seek what we experience and see. The same is true in alcoholic families. Children of alcoholics are 4 times more likely to develop their own alcohol issues. This is a complex issue and genetics is a huge part, but there is also an implicit acceptance of alcohol (and the related overconsumption of alcohol) even in families where alcohol is made to be the demon. Again, if we learn what we see repeatedly, then in alcoholic families, the ‘advertising’ unfortunately works too well.