NSPCC: Over 400 Referrals in North East Due to Parental Substance Use

Last year, a charity made 406 referrals in the North East. They helped adults concerned about kids. The worries involved parents’ drug or alcohol use. The NSPCC refers cases needing investigation and families needing extra support.

They want kids in these situations to know they aren’t alone. Parents can also get help. One in five UK children are impacted due to a parent’s drinking habits, according to NACOA, which organizes Children of Alcoholics Week.

Last year, 5,981 children in the North East needed help; they had parents with alcohol problems. A special assessment identified these children’s needs, ensuring families receive the right support. Parents with long-term substance issues might struggle to care for kids, raising the risk of harm.

This does not mean there will be abuse, but it can make safe, loving care harder. This can lead to abuse or neglect. It seriously impacts a child’s feelings. Parental substance misuse can hurt children, with effects differing at each stage of life.

During pregnancy, it risks birth defects, early birth, and low weight. Later, kids face problems, such as behavior issues, poor grades, abuse and neglect, and witnessing criminal activity. Childline held 440 counseling sessions last year for UK kids worried about their parent’s substance misuse; one child described an unstable home.

The NSPCC Helpline Director knows it’s devastating, as substance misuse impacts children long term. Parents may struggle to meet children’s needs, or might lose consciousness, leaving no adult to ensure safety. The stress impairs kids’ development, impacting their learning and memory.

NACOA’s Chief Executive described children’s fears saying to imagine fearing what you’ll find at home. Some children hide their parent’s drinking. Kids often feel responsible for it. Secrets create isolation and shame.

Talking to someone who understands can help, as it’s not the child’s fault; only the drinker can choose to stop. The charities remind kids it’s not their fault, they don’t need to keep it secret and feel safe. They don’t have to cope alone with this problem.

Talking helps them see they are not alone. They can try to find the support they deserve, and could talk to someone they trust.