Alcohol Focus Scotland - Helping children understand parental alcohol misuse
Alcohol Focus Scotland is committed to improving the quality of people's lives by changing Scotland's culture of heavy drinking, promoting responsible drinking and reducing alcohol related harm.
Alcohol is the most popular legal 'psycho-active' drug and one which most of us use to socialise, celebrate events and mark special occasions. Used sensibly and responsibly it helps us to relax and feel more companionable. Over-used, it causes unpredictable behaviour, loss of control, is damaging to our health and people's lives, especially children. Sadly, children rarely speak out about parental drinking due to shame, fear of repercussions and the situation becoming worse. Many do not know what constitutes a normal childhood.
It is estimated that over 100,000 children in Scotland are affected by a parent with a drink problem. These children have to cope with their parent's unpredictable behaviour, rows, neglect, domestic violence, and under-achievement at school.
Alcohol Focus Scotland launched a storybook in November 2007, to help children understand parental alcohol misuse. 'Rory' is aimed at primary school children and tells the story of a dog who can't understand why his owner is acting in a certain way, until it's explained to him that it's because he has a problem with alcohol.
The book could be used by anyone who is in a position to help raise awareness and respond to the issues of parental alcohol problems such as teachers, counsellors and social workers.
Too many children's lives are blighted by their parent's drinking problems and this book is one way of raising awareness of this issue. As well as making sure people with alcohol problems receive appropriate treatment, children of problem drinkers need protected so they don't feel alone or confused about their parent's behaviour. Children need support to understand that they can't stop their parents drinking, only they can do this and they have to want to change.
Alcohol Focus Scotland is also providing specialist training for professionals who work with children, producing other material for use in primary schools, and working closely with children's care charities.
Other resources, information and advice can be accessed at www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk