UK Parents' Drinking Negatively Affects Over a Third of Children

The physical and psychological harm caused by heavy alcohol consumption to the individual drinking is often clear. What is often less obvious, is the damage an individuals alcohol consumption can have to the people around them.

A recent study has examined the impact of parental drinking on children.

A total of 997 parents and their children completed the surveys that asked questions about levels of parent alcohol consumption, why they were choosing to drink, and the children's experience of their parents drinking.

From the study they found that three-fifths of the 997 parents surveyed said they had consumed alcohol to help them cope with feelings of depression and to escape problems, while 95% spoke of instances where they drank alcohol to relax or feel happier.

Children felt that when their parents drank alcohol they would receive less attention. They felt that care would be less predictable and they were more likely be put to bed at an irregular time. Children also described more arguments occurring.

Researchers and policy makers agree that there needs to be further information, guidance and evidence-based interventions to support families who may be unaware of the potential harm caused by parental alcohol consumption.