Children at risk when parents drink too much

The results of a research project about children who have parents with alcohol-related problems have been published by ENCARE – The European Network for Children Affected by Risky Environments.

Children from five different European countries in the 12-18 age group were invited to participate and interviewed.  It was hoped that more countries could participate in this research, however it emerged that in at least three countries difficulties arose when medical-ethical committees objected to interviewing children of parents with alcohol problems.

From the group of children that did participate in the study, it was shown that many experienced considerable stress for prolonged periods of time, and over one third presented with clinically significant problem levels as measured by the Youth Self Report.  Almost one third had been in contact with a mental health service.  Nevertheless, many children had been able to cope more or less effectively with the problems.

It is recommended that this group should be given greater public attention and professional support and that prevention and treatment both within and outwith the health care system should be improved.

Source of information: Trimbos Institute