NSPCC Helpline contacted more than 30 times a day about parental substance misuse

• More than 11,000 contacts to NSPCC Helpline by adults concerned about a parent’s alcohol or drug use, last year.
• In addition to this, last year over 72,000 children who had a Children in Need Assessment were found to have a parent who misused alcohol.
• This year’s Children of Alcoholics Week takes place from 9th - 15th February and NSPCC and Nacoa are encouraging children to reach out for support.

The NSPCC Helpline was contacted 11,527 times in 2023/24 by UK adults who were worried about the impact of a parent or carer’s substance misuse1 on a child – an average of 31 contacts a day.

The NSPCC is releasing these figures as it joins with Nacoa (National Association for the Children of Alcoholics) to let children who are experiencing parental substance misuse know that they are not alone, and support is available.  Parents can also access help and support if they are concerned about the impact of theirs or another adult’s substance misuse on a child.

According to Nacoa, which organises Children of Alcoholics Week (February 9th – 15th), one in five children in the UK are affected by their parent’s drinking. 

Last year, 72,410 children in England who were subject to a Child in Need assessment2 were identified as having a parent who misused alcohol.

Sometimes, parents who regularly take drugs, drink, or both in large quantities over a long period of time, can have chaotic, unpredictable lifestyles and may struggle to recognise and meet their children’s needs, increasing the risk of harm.

Although this does not necessarily mean that a child will experience abuse, it does make it more difficult for some parents to offer safe and loving care. This can lead to abuse or neglect and have a serious impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing.

Childline delivered 4403 counselling sessions last year with children and young people from across the UK who worried about their parent’s substance misuse. One 13-year-old boy4 who contacted Childline said: “Mum changes completely when she drinks: she shouts at everyone and can get violent. When this happens, I have to look after my younger siblings and protect them. It’s hard to live in an unstable home like this; I never know if she’ll be in a good mood or not.”

Kamaljit Thandi, NSPCC Helpline Director, explained: “Parental substance misuse can have a truly devastating impact on the lives of children and the effects can last long into adulthood.

“Parents who drink or take drugs to excess may have difficulty looking after their children and responding to their needs. Some may lose consciousness, leaving no other responsible adult present to care for their child and ensure their safety. The stress upon children of having parents who misuse substances can cause impaired development and problems with learning and memory.

“While we want children to know they are not alone and there is help available to them, we all can play a part in looking out for potential signs of a child’s distress and the NSPCC Helpline is there to provide support for families who are struggling.”

Hilary Henriques MBE, Chief Executive of Nacoa, added: “Imagine coming home from school and dreading what you might find. Imagine having no friends because you’re too embarrassed to bring them home in case Mum or Dad are drunk, or worse. You have no one to turn to because everyone denies there is a problem.

“When alcohol is the family secret, children and adults often believe that talking is being disloyal to their family and try to hide the problem from the outside world. Children often take on responsibility for their parent’s drinking and behaviour, believing it’s something they’ve done.

“Some children spend their childhoods trying to do the impossible; stop someone else drinking. Talking to someone who understands and doesn't judge can be lifesaving. When they know this is not their responsibility and that only the person drinking can make that choice, the burden of ‘failing’ is lifted from their shoulders, opening up an opportunity to live their own lives, irrespective of whether their parent continues to drink.”

Advice to children on living with alcohol or substance misuse

The NSPCC is reminding children that it is not their fault if their parent or carer drinks, and they do not have to keep it a secret. It is not down to them to stop their drinking. They have the right to feel safe and loved at home and they do not have to cope alone. 

Talking to someone they trust can help them see they are not alone and could help them find the support they need. They could try talking to a friend or someone else in the family, a teacher or school nurse or a doctor, or a Childline counsellor.

Talking about it does not mean they will get their parent into trouble but if they are worried they can speak to Childline confidentially.

Childline is there 24 hours a day, free and in confidence, on 0800 1111. Nacoa’s Helpline is available for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking – children, adults and professionals. They can be reached on 0800 358 3456 or at helpline@nacoa.org.uk.