Aberlour Child Care Trust, 36 Park Terrace, Stirling FK8 2JR
Tel: 01786 450335 Fax: 01786 473238
News - in Depth
10/1/2007
Alcohol vs Drugs: How does parental use affect children?
Report shows more attention needed for children affected by problem drinking parents.
More attention needs to be given to the 100,000 Scottish children affected by parental alcohol use to match the level of activity, that quite rightly, has been devoted to children affected by parental drug use. That is the conclusion of the second Think Tank organised by Aberlour Child Care Trust and the Scottish Association of Alcohol and Drug Action Teams.
The report being launched today, A Matter of Substance? Alcohol or Drugs: Does it make a difference to the child? explores the differences between problem parental alcohol use and drug use and the impact on children. The key message for politicians, policy makers, and health and social care services challenges them, and indeed all of us, to recognise that our more tolerant attitudes to drinking can have a harmful effect on the children of problem drinkers. Our cultural acceptance, even of heavy drinking, can lead to delays in identifying the problems of the parent and even more serious delays in recognising the impact on children.
The Think Tank are calling for action to raise awareness of the impact of problem drinking on children, to put this issue on the national policy agenda and to improve service response to children and families affected. The report also highlights the need for adult alcohol services to prioritise the expansion of their remit to include the needs of children; for earlier intervention to prevent some of the harm experienced by children; and for affected children to have services specifically for them.
The report recommends
- More research into the harm caused to children by parental drinking
- A more proactive and structured service response
- Continued policy development that focuses on the need of the child
- A public campaign to raise awareness of the harm caused by parental alcohol use
Addie Stevenson, Chief Executive, Aberlour, said:
“Tolerant attitudes towards alcohol are having a significant and sometimes devastating effect on children. While living with problem parental alcohol use may appear less stigmatising than living with problem parental drug use for our children and young people, ignoring the impact on them, on parenting and on family life is like sticking our heads in the sand. If we are to really help today’s and tomorrow’s children we must work together and face the challenges raised in this report.”
Tom Wood, Chairperson, Scottish Association of Alcohol and Drug Action Teams, said:
“We welcome this important piece of work and its contribution to our understanding. The next step is to ensure that its implications are reflected in policy and practice.”
The Report is being launched at the January meeting of the Scottish Association of Alcohol and Drug Action Teams to be held in the City Halls, Merchant City, Glasgow at 10.30 a.m. to which journalists are welcome to attend. Copies of the report are available on the day.
For further information contact: Kelly Bayes or Ann-Marie Fry on tel. (01786) 450335 or
Barbara O’Donnell, National Alcohol Liaison Officer, SAADAT, c/o 166 Buchanan Street, Glasgow G1 2LW on tel. 0141 572 6280.
Notes to editors:
1. The first Think Tank organised by Aberlour in partnership with the Scottish Association of Alcohol and Drug Action Teams and was held in January and February 2006. It examined the characteristics of parental drug and alcohol use and the impact on children. The subsequent report “Have We Got Our Priorities Right?” has been widely distributed and well received at both national and local level and by a range of organisations.
Since the first Think Tank, the Scottish Executive has published Hidden Harm:Next Steps in May 2006. It sets out a range of actions to improve the way that children affected by parental substance use receive support from services.
2. Aberlour works in Scotland with and for children young people and families who need additional support to promote their development and well being. Aberlour runs 47 services that make a positive difference to the lives of around 6000 children in Scotland every year.
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