Most Rev Justin Welby made the comment in a message of support to children living with alcoholic parents or guardians before he gave evidence to MPs on the subject.
The all-party parliamentary session on the children of alcoholics is in the process of creating new guidelines to offer extra support for young people living in alcoholic homes.
The archbishop said: "My experience, whether easier or more difficult than that of others, was fairly difficult.
"It involved periods where there seemed to be no problem and periods where the problems seemed to have no end.
"It led to wild mood swings from my father, to behaviour that was in retrospect deeply abusive, and to other times where affection was expressed."
It was revealed earlier this year that Gavin Welby (above), who abused Justin, was not his biological father.
Sir Anthony Montague Browne, Sir Winston Churchill's last private secretary, is his biological father.
The news came as a shock to both Justin Welby and his mother, Lady Williams of Elvel.