Is alcoholism related to child abuse?

Not necessarily: Alcoholism and child abuse co-exist in some families. Alcoholism can make parents neglect their children's needs, or abuse them emotionally, physically, and sometimes sexually. In some families, domestic violence can also accompany alcoholism. The children may learn how to treat the opposite sex from such unhealthy examples. Child abuse may, but does not automatically, lead to alcohol abuse.

Abuse increases risk: Not everyone who has a history of abuse will become addicted. However, a history of child abuse or childhood trauma can increase the risk of later alcoholism/addiction. The vast majority of patients in treatment for addiction have a history of past abuse or trauma. Childhood trauma apparently "primes the brain" to become addicted.

Yes: Number of studies have established that alcohol is significant contributory factor to child maltreatment, and many show that being maltreated as a child is associated with marked increases in risk of hazardous or harmful drinking in later life.