I think my parent drinks too much

Your parent or carer may be drinking too much if:

• They are unable to control the amount they drink
• Their behaviour changes because of their drinking
• Their drinking is causing problems in everyday family life

If your parent or carer drinks too much it's important for you to know that you don't have to cope alone: help and support are available.

Seeing your parent or parents drunk can be a scary thing, especially if they become short-tempered or emotional. If your parent, or carer, or grandparent is drinking too much, it can have a direct impact on you: it might make you feel worried, scared, embarrassed or confused.

Remember that you cannot control someone else's drinking - they have their own reasons for drinking which ultimately have nothing to do with you. You are not the reason they drink, and it is up to your parent to take charge of their own drinking behaviour and seek some professional support.

If you are worried about your parent's or carer's drinking, the first step is to talk to someone you trust. This could be a friend, an older sibling or a teacher.

There are also organisations that offer free and confidential advice and support to children like Nacoa, Childline, and Alateen.

Nacoa support anyone affected by their parent's drinking, including adults. Here are some of the questions that children often ask about alcohol and the effects on them and their family. For more information, visit nacoa.org.uk, call 0800 358 3456 or email [email protected]. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

You can reach Childline on 0800 1111 for confidential advice and support. Or for more information visit their website.

Alateen helps teenage relatives and friends who are affected by someone else's drinking. For more information, visit their website.