Childline: We want children to know we are here when a parent has a dependency on alcohol
Children depend on the adults around them to ensure they grow up in a safe environment.
But what if a parent’s dependency impacts the care they provide for their child?
Last year, the NSPCC Helpline was contacted more than 9,000 times by people worried about a parent or carer who was misusing alcohol or drugs – an average of 25 contacts per day, between April 2024 and March 2025.
Some told the Helpline they had heard arguments and furniture being thrown, some reported seeing parents inebriated and collapsed, and children who appeared dirty or neglected.
In the same period, 5,920 children in the North East who were subject to a Child in Need assessment were identified as having a parent who misused alcohol.
Children of Alcoholics Week, organised by the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, aims to reassure children affected by a parent’s substance use that help is available.
The NSPCC supports the campaign, as it is not just the Helpline which hears concerns about a parent’s substance use.
Last year, Childline delivered more than 300 counselling sessions to children concerned about a parent’s substance use.
One 15-year-old girl told counsellors: “I am struggling at home with my mum’s addiction. I hate it when she doesn’t take care of her health, so we end up arguing almost every day because it’s then up to me to take care of my two younger brothers.
“I feel I don’t have time for anything, and I’ve been sleeping very poorly. I am so glad Childline is here to listen to my problems. My mum used to care but she’s changed. I just need to know how to cope with so many responsibilities.”
Most parents and carers who drink alcohol do so in moderation, which doesn’t present an increased risk of harm to their children. However, when they consume large quantities over a long period of time it can have lasting effects on children – putting babies at risk of birth defects or premature birth, or in later years, causing behavioural or emotional problems, physical and emotional abuse or neglect.
We want children to know Childline is here on 0800 1111 to listen to any child and Nacoa UK’s helpline is available on 0800 358 3456 or at [email protected].