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NSPCC have again issued a news release to put the spotlight on COA Week due to the number of contacts they receive from people concerned about a parent’s alcohol and drug use.

In 2023/24, the NSPCC’s Helpline received 11,527 contacts from members of the public across the UK who were worried about the impact of a parent or carer’s substance misuse on their child – an average of 31 contacts a day.

Last year, 72,410 children in England subject to a local authority Child in Need assessment were identified as having a parent who misused alcohol, up from 71,580 in 2022/23. 

The NSPCC is joining with Nacoa to let children who are experiencing parental alcohol and substance misuse know that they are not alone, and that support is available. Help is also available for parents or carers who are concerned about the impact of their own or another adult’s substance or alcohol misuse on a child.

Parents who regularly take drugs, drink, or both in large quantities over a long period of time, can have chaotic, unpredictable lifestyles and may struggle to recognise and meet their children’s needs, increasing the risk of harm.

Although this does not necessarily mean that a child will experience abuse, it does make it more difficult for parents to offer safe and loving care. This can lead to abuse or neglect and have a serious impact on a family’s emotional wellbeing.

Misusing alcohol and drugs can have negative effects on children at different stages in their lives. During pregnancy, drinking and drug use can put babies at risk of birth defects, premature birth, being born underweight and withdrawal symptoms.

In later years, substance misuse can put children at risk of behavioural or emotional problems; poor attendance at school or low grades; physical and emotional abuse or neglect; or being exposed to criminal activity.

Childline handled 440 counselling sessions last year across the UK with children and young people worried about their parent’s substance misuse.

One 13-year-old boy who contacted Childline said:

“Mum changes completely when she drinks: she shouts at everyone and can get violent. When this happens, I have to look after my younger siblings and protect them. It’s hard to live in an unstable home like this; I never know if she’ll be in a good mood or not.”

Kamaljit Thandi, NSPCC Helpline Director, says:

“Parental substance misuse can have a truly devastating impact on the lives of children and the effects can last long into adulthood.

“Parents and carers who drink or take drugs to excess may have difficulty looking after their children and responding to their needs. Some may lose consciousness, leaving no other responsible adult present to care for their child and ensure their safety.

“The stress upon children of having parents who misuse substances can cause impaired development and problems with learning and memory.

“While we want children to know they are not alone and there is help available to them, we all can play a part in looking out for potential signs of a child’s distress and the NSPCC Helpline is there to provide support for families who are struggling.”

Hilary Henriques, Chief Executive of Nacoa, added:

“Imagine coming home from school and dreading what you might find. Imagine having no friends because you’re too embarrassed to bring them home in case Mum or Dad are drunk, or worse. You have no one to turn to because everyone denies there is a problem.

“When alcohol is the family secret, children and adults often believe that talking is being disloyal to their family and try to hide the problem from the outside world. Children often take on responsibility for their parent’s drinking and behaviour, believing it’s something they’ve done.

“Some children spend their childhoods trying to do the impossible; stop someone else drinking. Talking to someone who understands and doesn’t judge can be lifesaving.

“When they know this is not their responsibility and that only the person drinking can make that choice, the burden of ‘failing’ is lifted from their shoulders, opening up an opportunity to live their own lives, irrespective of whether their parent continues to drink.”

For children living with a parent drinking too much, it is important they remember that it is not their fault if their parent or carer drinks, and they do not have to keep it a secret. It is not down to them to stop their drinking. They have the right to feel safe and loved at home and they do not have to cope alone. 

Talking to someone they trust can help them see they are not alone and could help them find the support they need. They could try talking to a friend or someone else in the family, a teacher or school nurse or a doctor, or a Childline counsellor.

Childline is there 24 hours a day, free and in confidence, on 0800 1111. Nacoa’s Helpline is available for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking – children, adults and professionals. They can be reached on 0800 358 3456 or at helpline@nacoa.org.uk.

Talking about it does not mean they will get their parent into trouble but if they are worried they can speak to Childline confidentially. 

Childline’s advice on how to cope

Feeling stressed or worried about things at home can be overwhelming sometimes. But taking a break and finding ways to relax can help you to cope.

Why not try:

• going for a walk if it’s safe to
• blocking out noise by listening to music
• letting your feelings out with the Childline website’s Art box
• writing about how you feel, or creating poetry
• joining a sport team or club at school.

It can feel like you’re the only one going through this. But lots of young people talk to Childline about their parents drinking.

Try talking to other young people on Childline’s online message boards about what’s been happening.

You’ve got the right to feel safe at home no matter what. If your parent has been drinking, you might feel unsafe because they’re not able to take care of you, or they’re shouting or getting violent or aggressive. If you’re worried about your safety, it’s important to get help. You can speak to a Childline counsellor any time.

In an emergency, you should always call 999.