Is alcoholism associated with being abused as a child?

No: Alcoholism is a disease. While there are many environmental factors that may exacerbate this condition, childhood abuse is no more, or no less, important.

Yes: An alcoholic parent will be more likely to abuse a child than a sober one. Being abused, as a child, increases the risk for many problems down the road, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders and substance abuse. The cycle of substance abuse and child abuse are often long standing, multi-generational family problems. Such patterns are often difficult to break.