According to Claudia Black, what phrase describes the destructive family rules contributing to the low self-esteem of Children of Alcoholics (CoA's)?

The phrase "Don't Talk, Don't Trust, Don't Feel" is particularly significant in the context of children growing up in homes affected by alcoholism. This phrase encapsulates the core behaviors and beliefs that arise in families where substance abuse is present.

"Don't Talk" emphasizes the silence often enforced in such environments where discussing feelings or issues related to alcohol use is taboo. This can lead to feelings of isolation and an inability to express one’s emotions, which is critical for developing self-esteem.

"Don't Trust" reflects the instability and unpredictability that often characterize relationships in families dealing with alcohol abuse. Children may struggle to form healthy attachments and trust others, leading to subsequent difficulties in their own relationships and a diminished sense of self-worth.

"Don't Feel" suggests that children are often conditioned to suppress their emotions. In a chaotic family environment, feeling and expressing emotions can be seen as vulnerabilities, which teaches CoAs to disconnect from their feelings, further exacerbating their low self-esteem.

Each of these elements uniquely contributes to the emotional and psychological struggles that Children of Alcoholics face, leading to the critical importance of understanding and addressing these inherent family rules during treatment and intervention.