1.3 million children in UK living with drug and alcohol abuse

Addaction, the UK’s largest drug treatment agency, reveals today (Mon, Oct 12th) that 1.3 million children under the age of 16 are living in homes where one of the parents has serious drug and drink problems.

These children are living lonely and intensely difficult lives. Some are assuming the role of a parent themselves, looking after younger brothers and sisters. Others are isolated at school because of the stigma attached to their parents’ problems. Many are exposed to danger and violence associated with substance misuse.

Above all, this is a generation of children growing up in homes where problem drinking and drugs are seen as normal - something that makes them seven times more likely to become drug users or problem drinkers themselves in later life.

These children are the focus of a report launched today by Addaction. The report assesses the impact of a three-year pilot project called Breaking the Cycle, which was set up specifically to help children in drug or alcohol-abusing families and to break the cycle of substance abuse in these families.

The project, funded by Zurich Community Trust, has supported over 450 family members to reduce parental drug use and help them become better parents. The results of the pilot are impressive:
Among those families who Addaction worked with:
• 81% significantly reduced their use of drugs or alcohol;
• 81% started to put the needs of their children first;
• 86% significantly improved their skills as parents;
• 77% families were more stable and less chaotic with proper routines;
• 86% improved financial prospects by looking for work, volunteering or attending college courses.

Addaction believes Breaking the Cycle provides clear evidence that family-based interventions are an effective way to break the cycle of drug and alcohol abuse in families.

Alan Booth, Director of Marketing at Addaction, said: “These problems are heart wrenching but, through our work with families, Addaction demonstrates that families can be turned around and children given back their childhood.”
“This preventative work is a massive investment for the individual, community and society,” added Alan Booth. “With commitment and support, many families can turn their lives around.”

Addaction - Jan 2010

ww.addaction.org.uk

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