As the child of an alcoholic I can tell you that the relationship is dynamic and volatile and changing. Kids don't remain kids - they grow and change and have different developmental goals to meet to become mature young adults. I wish that just ONE of the cowardly sober adults in MY life had had the courage to give me a book about being the child of an A or point me towards AlaTeen online or face to face meetings when I was struggling.
http://www.al-anon.org/for-alateen
All the energy was going towards my A father - dealing with his drinking, covering up his drinking etc, fighting about his drinking. Meanwhile there were 5 of us kids who could have used some of that considerable energy to our advantage.
Stop protecting the adult alcoholic! Protect the minor children! Energy put towards non-addicted young people will reap huge benefits! Not so energy frittered away on the Alkie.
Not easy but worth it.
Peace-
B