THE SIGNIFICANCE OF COA AWARENESS WEEK:
From an Adult Child Who’s Been There

Thoughts about COA Awareness Week, take me back to my turbulent childhood. Being an adult child of an alcoholic has shaped my journey in ways I could never have anticipated. It’s a journey marked by resilience, self-discovery, and a relentless pursuit of healing. COA Awareness Week holds a special place in my heart, as it provides a platform for individuals like me to share our stories, foster understanding, and break the chains of silence that have bound us for far too long.

COA Awareness Week serves as an annual reminder that children impacted by the disease of addiction in their families are not alone in their struggles. It’s a beacon of hope that illuminates the often-shadowed experiences of those who grew up in households where addiction casts its long and dark shadow. More than just a designated period on the calendar, it’s an opportunity for children of all ages impacted by addiction to come together, support one another, and raise awareness about the lasting impact of growing up with addiction.

For those unfamiliar with the term, an “adult child of an alcoholic” or ACOA is an individual who grew up in a home where one or both parents struggled with alcoholism. The effects of such an upbringing can be profound, leaving lasting emotional and psychological scars. COA Awareness Week allows us to shed light on the complexities of our experiences, offering a nuanced perspective that goes beyond the stereotypes often associated with addiction.

Speaking openly about being an ACOA is liberating for several reasons. Firstly, it breaks the cycle of shame and secrecy that so often accompanies growing up in an alcoholic household. For years, I carried the weight of my family’s struggles as a closely guarded secret, convinced that revealing the truth would expose me to judgment and stigma. COA Awareness Week encourages us to cast aside this cloak of silence, allowing us to share our truths without fear of condemnation.

Moreover, talking about being an ACOA is liberating because it empowers us to reclaim our narrative. For too long, our stories have been overshadowed by the pervasive myths and misconceptions surrounding addiction. By sharing our experiences during COA Awareness Week, we not only challenge these stereotypes but also assert our right to define ourselves beyond the constraints of our past.

The week serves as a catalyst for conversations that extend beyond the immediate circle of ACOAs. It prompts a broader dialogue about addiction, mental health, and the ripple effects that extend far beyond the individual struggling with alcoholism. As we open up about our experiences, we contribute to a more compassionate and informed society, fostering understanding and empathy.

COA Awareness Week is a platform for advocacy, offering a space for ACOAs to advocate for the importance of early intervention and support for families grappling with addiction. It reminds us that our stories are not just tales of hardship but also narratives of resilience and triumph. By sharing our journeys, we inspire others to seek help, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among those affected by alcoholism.

In my own journey, embracing the liberation that comes with talking about being an ACOA has been transformative. This was of course, at first, terrifying. To open up and be vulnerable about my situation seemed impossible. However, the more open I’ve been, the more I find myself connecting with others with similar experiences and the more I learn about myself. My extended network of healing is growing, and so do I with each subsequent share. Speaking openly about my experiences has taken me on a journey of introspection and liberation from this family disease.

COA Awareness Week is an annual event that shines a spotlight on the experiences of adult children impacted by family and friends struggling with substance use disorders. COA Awareness Week may be an international event, but it is also very personal. It invites those who have been impacted to share our stories, free from judgement and stigma. This week provides collective experience, strength, and hope that helps guide all of us on our healing journey. And I contribute my story to help others. As ACOAs, we can find solace this week in the knowledge that our stories are not only being told and heard, but they are also understood and embraced during this important week of awareness.