Parental Alcohol Misuse

Parental problem alcohol and drug use affects children and their experiences of family life in a number of ways. Not only can this effect physically but parents who use alcohol and drugs at higher risk levels can also have an impact on children. It is estimated that between 1200 – 1400 children living with at least one adult with alcohol dependence in Doncaster.

Parents’ dependent alcohol and drug use can negatively impact on children’s physical and emotional wellbeing, their development and their safety. The impacts on children can include:

• physical maltreatment and neglect
• poor physical and mental health
• development of health harming behaviours in later life, for example using alcohol and drugs and at an early age, which predicts more entrenched future use
• poor school attendance due to inappropriate caring responsibilities
• low educational attainment
• involvement in anti-social or criminal behaviour

 Available Support

Family M.O.T is an 8 week group programme to help families who are affected by parental/ carer drug and alcohol misuse. The programme offers the opportunity to talk about how drug or alcohol use might be affecting your family, explore some of the issues through activities including art, writing and games and meet new people that might have been in a similar situation. We also offer 1:1 hidden harm support for young people. To take part in the Family M.O.T you can refer yourself or a professional that you are working with can call the service on 03000 213032 or email fmot.referrals@nhs.net.

Aspire 4 Parents is a team that sits within ASPIRE Drug and Alcohol services here in Doncaster, but we work quite differently. Our aim is to make our service as accessible as possible for parents who would like support around their substance use. We recognise it remains often intimidating to come and seek support, especially as a parent. We aim to support parents better by providing intensive, flexible support in a family friendly way that works for you. This means meeting you where it works for you, be it in the community, across our local hubs, at home or by offering evening appointments. We aim to work with you to achieve your goals around your substance use and support you in making a happier family life. You can self-refer to Aspire4Parents by telephoning 03000213900 and quoting “Aspire4Parents” or a professional can refer you. 

 

For information, advice and support for those affected by a parent’s drinking, you can also visit the NACOA website.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) refers to the lifelong effects caused when an unborn baby is exposed to alcohol. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, the alcohol in her blood passes through the placenta into the developing baby. The baby can’t process alcohol as well as the mother can, which means it can limit the growth of brain cells and damage the baby’s central nervous system (or CNS) and other organs.

It is estimated that at least 3 in every 100 babies born in the UK are affected by FASD. If this was applied to Doncaster, 100 babies every year could be born with FASD. FASD impacts on maternity, children, young people, and adult services, as well as individuals and families. Evidence suggests that without the correct diagnosis and support an individual is more likely to have a range of issues including poor mental health, substance misuse problems, involvement with criminal justice, homelessness and difficulties with social relationships, education, and employment. Identification and a multi-agency psychological assessment can identify strengths and areas of difficultly to support the person with FASD and their family.

The National Organisation for FASD is dedicated to supporting people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), their families and communities. It promotes education for professionals and public awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has produced a quality standard, which covers assessing and diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in children and young people. It also covers support during pregnancy to prevent FASD. You can also find information on FASD Health Needs Assesment through the government website, as well as the Salford University and Bristol Univeristy websites.