A Qualitative Investigation of Adversities Experienced by Non-Alcoholic Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) in an Indigenous Community

This study explores the distinctive adversities encountered by non-alcoholic adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) within the Mizo indigenous culture. Despite the abundance of literature on the adverse consequences of ACOAs, there is a dearth of global literature on the unique lived experiences of adversity among non-alcoholic ACOAs. Analysis of 13 in-depth interviews using the grounded theory approach identified that non-alcoholic ACOAs experienced a multitude of adversities across cognitive, affective, behavioral, and somatic domains. These adversities manifested as challenges in sustaining attention, lack of proficiency in problem-solving, distorted beliefs and negative emotions concerning relationships, skewed attachment styles, difficulty in managing oneself and adhering to rules, flawed relationship praxis, and somatic complaints such as fatigue, heightened psychomotor activity, and various aches and pains. These findings emphasize that parental alcohol misuse has lasting impacts on non-alcoholic ACOAs. Tailored early intervention and support programs are necessary to address these challenges.