Alcohol and its effect on people is prevalent in all of society, regardless of social class. It affects not only people themselves but also those close to them. This study has researched how adults who were raised by parents who have a problem with alcohol have been affected and illustrates their personal experiences. The research method was a qualitative thematic analysis of eight autobiographies written by people whose parents had a problem with alcohol. The empirical data has been categorized by common themes, related to the aim and research question of this study. The study analyses the empirical data with several explanatory models. The explanatory models used are facade, safe havens, societal action, "hope and betrayal" and distancing oneself. The results of the study show that adults with a childhood affected by alcohol share a common feeling of shame and stigmatism. They also describe society as multifaceted, where some experience a safe haven and others feel that society failed them. The study accounts for the authors' view of alcohol and the problems associated with alcohol. This study will hopefully provide broad insight and cultivate a better understanding of families with prevalent alcohol problems. This understanding may improve the approach in social work practice used to face families associated with this type of problem.