Long-term drug and alcohol use by parents is a growing worry for members of the public concerned that children are being put at risk.
The number of people contacting us with concerns about drug and alcohol misuse among parents has risen by 66% since April 2020. Between January - March 2020, we were receiving just over 700 contacts a month from worried adults. Since the first lockdown began, however, that number rose to an average of 1,178 contacts a month.1
Lockdown changing children's lives
Because of the pandemic, children are much more involved in the problems they are facing at home. School closures and not being able to socialise with their friends means that there is no escape for those living with parental substance misuse.
Drug and alcohol misuse in the home
When parents take drugs, drink or both in large quantities over a long period of time, it can lead to mental, psychological and physical illness. And although this does not necessarily mean that a child will experience abuse, it does make it more difficult to provide safe and loving care. Potentially, this can lead to abuse or neglect and have a serious impact on a family’s emotional wellbeing.