Keeping it in the family

Approximately one million children live with a parent who is dependent on alcohol, according to a report published during Alcohol Awareness Week in April by Alcohol Concern and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. This figure is an estimate; the true number of children affected by parental alcohol misuse is very difficult to establish since this problem remains largely hidden.

The report, "Keeping it in the family: growing up with parents who misuse alcohol", outlines the impact a parents chronic drinking can have on their children as well as the patchy level of services for children and families, with many not receiving any support.

Don Shenker, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern says: "Alcohol misuse affects not just the drinker, but the family around them. Many children can just about cope, but for others, their parents’ drinking can lead to feelings of isolation, guilt and poor performance at school. Alcohol services need to develop ways of working that enable parents who drink to put their children’s needs first.

"Government also needs to accept that alcohol policies have barely begun to address this issue and treatment services must now have better support and funding to help both parents and their children recover from alcohol abuse."

Alex Fox, Assistant Director at The Princess Royal Trust for Carers says:

"The Princess Royal Trust for Carers currently supports 15,500 young carers and we are increasingly concerned that this group of young carers looking after a parent with alcohol dependency is both hidden and particularly vulnerable.

"Most young carers in this situation simply never get support, with too many ending up in care when families reach crisis point. Young carers’ services need the training and resources to reach these families while every adults’ alcohol service should routinely ask its clients, ‘Are you a parent? Can we help you in your parenting role?’".

The report makes a number of recommendations to government, including the need for a national alcohol and families strategy, backed by a new public service agreement target to increase the health and wellbeing of children affected by parental alcohol misuse.

Further information:

Download the report here: Keeping it in the family: growing up with parents who misuse alcohol

Young carers can find support and help on our site for young carers

Alcohol Concern have a directory where you can find your nearest alcohol service

They have also developed a Toolkit of resources and training to support professionals in the health, education and social sectors working with problem drinking.