These children never have an idea what to look forward to from an alcoholic parent. As they are not able to anticipate the temper of their parents, they have no solution regarding their own behavior. Akin to non-alcoholic spouses, COAs believe they can prevent their alcoholic parent from consumption by concealing the containers, or by gratifying the parent with better marks in schools. They might try to maintain absolute quietness inside the house while the alcoholic parents is in deep slumber, expecting not to disturb the sleep of the drunk until sufficient time has elapsed for the alcoholic parent to come around from his state of 'hangover" COAs feel ashamed for their disappointment in saving their parents from the effects of alcohol. (Alcoholism and Its Effect on the Family) .

             Parental alcoholism impacts the substance use among adolescent through a many varied routes, comprising strain, negative effects and reduced parental supervision. Following the consumption of alcohol, sons of alcoholics feel increased physiological changes linked with enjoyable effects contrasted with sons of non-alcoholics, nevertheless just soon after drinking. (Children of Alcoholics: Important Facts) Research have illustrated that since COAs consider they are segregated from other individuals, they have a bad self-image, wherein they proximally have a semblance with their alcoholic parents. (Alcoholism and Its Effect on the Family) COAs demonstrate increased incidence of psychopathology. Nervousness, gloominess, and external disorders in behavior are increasingly widespread among COAs compared to their non-alcoholic counterparts. Young COAs display manifestations of gloominess and nervousness like weeping, urinating in bed, absence of friends, developing a sense of fear to attend school, or having nightmares. .

             Older youths might remain confined to their rooms for extended time periods and not communicate with any children stating that they have none to interact with.