Drug and alcohol abuse

Drug and alcohol abuse by parents can have a serious effect on their children.

Not all parents who abuse drugs or alcohol mistreat or neglect their children. But often their behaviour can put children at considerable risk.

Use the links below to find our more about this issue.

How to get help for your alcohol or drug problem

The risks to children of parental substance abuse

Ensure your problem isn't also your child's

Further information and help for drug abuse

Further information and help for alcohol abuse

Getting Help

If you are a parent and you feel your ability to care for your children is affected by drug or alcohol abuse, you should:

• see your doctor as soon as possible, they can provide support and counselling at the surgery, or refer you to other professionals who specialise in drug and alcohol problems
• get extra help caring for your children, the health visitor can arrange this.

The important thing is that you get help as soon as possible.

If you are concerned about a child who may be at risk, call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 . We're open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are free, unless you're calling from a mobile phone.

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Risks to children

There is an increased risk of violence in families where parents abuse substances. Children can also suffer from lack of boundaries and discipline, and live chaotic lives. This can seriously affect their psychological and emotional development, and may cause problems with their relationships later on in life.

Other risks include:

• health hazards, like lack of food, clothing, carelessness or accidents
• lack of parental supervision - forgetfulness, or even unconsciousness
• children dangerously copying their parents' behaviour
• isolation of the family from neighbours and support services.

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Ensure your problem isn't also your child's

Call the free NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000

We're not only here for people who believe children are at risk from harm. Our trained counsellors are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to offer parents and carers the advice and support they need. You can talk to them for as long as you need to - we're here to help.

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Further help and information

Help for drug abuse

Narcotics Anonymous
A self-help group run by recovering addicts with a network of meetings across the country.

Tel: 0845 373 3366

Families Anonymous
A world wide network of relatives and friends of people involved in the abuse of mind-altering substances.

Tel: 0845 120 0660

DrugScope
The UK's leading independent centre of expertise on drugs and the national membership organisation for the drug field.

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Help for alcohol abuse

Al-Anon
Support for anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking problem. Also includes Alateen for teenage friends and relatives of alcoholics.

Tel: 020 7403 0888 (Helpline 10am - 10pm, 365 days a year)

Alcoholics Anonymous
A self-help group run by recovering alcoholics.

Tel: 0845 769 7555 | Email: help@alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

NHS Choices
A full discussion of the health impact of alcohol abuse as well as the social impact on family, friends and work.

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