Alcoholism is one of the prime determinants of the behaviors of a dysfunctional family system. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of alcoholism on self-esteem, locus of control and role designations. The information obtained in this study will be used for guiding differentiated interventions that will assist in keeping the alcoholic family unit intact and improving its functioning. The study investigated: (a) the set of factors that mediate self-esteem, locus of control and family of origin level of functioning, (b) differences between adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) and Adult Children of Non-Alcoholics (ACONAs), and (c) differences among ACOAs on self-esteem, locus of control, and role designations. The participants were members of a church in the northeastern region of the United States which offers counseling services and educational programs to its congregation. The participants are 88 African American adults aged 18-70 years who completed five survey instruments that provided information on parental drinking patterns and experiences, self-esteem, locus of control, family of origin level of functioning and demographics including role designations, gender, marital status, ethnicity, and specific information on alcohol use. The results indicated no significant difference between ACOAs and ACONAs on self-esteem and level of functioning in the family of origin. However, a significant difference was found between ACOAs and ACONAs on locus of control. There was no significant difference between ACOAs and ACONAs family functioning on self esteem and locus of control. There was no significant difference between the 'most healthy' ACOAs and the 'least healthy' ACOAs on self-esteem and locus of control. There was no significant difference between female and male ACOAs on self-esteem and locus of control; no difference between Internal and External ACOAs on self-esteem when the father was alcoholic; and no difference between hero ACOAs and scapegoat ACOAs on self-esteem and locus of control. These findings indicate that parental alcoholism mediates locus of control orientation only for. In addition, family of origin functioning is not a factor in the self-esteem or locus of control of ACOAs. Furthermore, the family of origin level of functioning does not impact the self-esteem and locus of control of ACOAs. It seems that some factor aside from family functioning is mediating self-esteem in ACOAs. The ACOAs are acquiring adaptive behaviors, high self-esteem and internal locus of control for managing their lives despite being reared in an alcoholic home environment and much the same as ACONAs. These adaptive behaviors are mediated by parental involvement, personality, and external social supports. Future investigations should examine parental behaviors, patterns and involvement with the child to determine their impact on locus of control and an investigation of other potential dysfunctional behaviors should also be considered Finally, an examination of the constructs of family or origin functioning should be considered to dispel any doubts about it as a predictor of psychological distress in children reared in an alcoholic home.