The Delaware Association for Children of Alcoholics (DACOA) was established as a nonprofit 501( c) 3 corporation in 1987. It is the leading voice advocating at the state and local level for families and children affected by alcoholism. DACOA's goal is to interrupt the inter-generational cycle of alcoholism. The association offers school based self-help groups and speakers to community, civic and business groups who desire information on the topic of family alcoholism.

DACOA sponsors events featuring known authors and conducts workshops for professional credit and to the public. DACOA maintains a toll free telephone number to assist families needing referrals. Alateen and ACOA meeting lists are published regularly and distributed free by DACOA.

Message from the Director Many children of alcoholics (COA's) hesitate to admit that they come from an alcoholic family because they fear it is a betrayal of their family so the disease of alcoholism becomes the "family secret". This "family secret" looms large and occupies considerable space in their emotional lives. They learn not to acknowledge their emotions and continue to use the same patterns of coping that they developed in childhood. Since childhood was full of disappointments and lies they learned not to trust, not to get close to anyone and not to communicate in a healthy way. As a result many adult children of alcoholics (ACOA's) have trouble being intimate, try to control events, have unhealthy relationships and stress related depression. These are not uncommon circumstances for COA's. I hope this web site helps you understand that you are not alone and that we are here to help you meet the challenges you face as a child of an alcoholic. Contacting us is your first significant step to resolving the problem and giving up the family secret of alcoholism. Barbara Ridge, LCSW, CADC