In the U.K. approximately 920,000 children are currently living in a home where one or both parents have alcohol problems.

6.2% of adults have grown up in a family where one or both of their parents drank excessively (N.A.C.O.S., 2000).

Problem alcohol use by parents and other family members can have a negative impact on children in a number of ways.

The deleterious effects are more pronounced if both parents have drink problems and if there are no other responsible adults available to provide effective child care.

There is often a lack of stability / security due to frequent separations, moving home, etc.

There may be education problems - e.g. a lack of encouragement with exams, no help with homework, lack of money for school trips & school uniform, no quiet study areas at home, frequent relocation from school to school due to divorce, eviction, etc. .

Friendships may be hindered - egs. children may be unable to bring friends round after school, there may be embarrassment / stigma if parents' drinking is known to friends / neighbours.

Alcohol-related family rows / violence often lead to fear / anxiety.

There may be emotional neglect - lack of stimulation, poor diet, disrupted sleep, lack of support, etc..

There may be an increased risk of physical / sexual abuse due to disinhibition caused by alcohol.

Problem alcohol use is associated with 20% of known cases of child abuse.

Childrens' coping strategies - include withdrawal, mimicking, being a "super coper".

In some cases there may be long-term effects due to acceptance of situation as "the norm" - children may marry or have relationships with other problem drinkers in adulthood.