Alcohol and other drug misuse

What is alcohol and drug misuse and what can it look like?

Alcohol and other drug misuse, sometimes also known as substance abuse, is when someone’s drinking or drug use becomes problematic, harmful, or dependent.

By ‘problematic, harmful, or dependent’ we mean when someone is:

• putting themselves or others in danger

• continues to drink or take drugs even if it puts them at risk of illness (both psychological or physical) 

• craves alcohol or other drugs and continues to use them even though it may be causing them health, social, or financial problems

The use of these substances (both by young people and adults) can have a massive effect on a young person’s life.  

Some young people might be exposed to alcohol use before the legal age of consuming it, so it’s important for parents and carers to understand it's possible affects, to best support those in their care. 

Find out more information below about the effect of alcohol and other drugs on young people, how parental use can also affect children and young people, and support available.

How can alcohol and other drug use affect children?

The misuse of alcohol and other drugs can have a big effect on children at different stages in their lives.

Alcohol and other drug use can put children at risk of:

• harm and abuse
• effects to their physical and mental well-being (including losing some/all control of their body)
• anti-social behaviour
• effects to their school attendance and grades (i.e poor attendance and low grades)
• being exposed to criminal activity, which can lead to child criminal exploitation
• serious illness and/or death

A 16 or 17-year-old, when accompanied by an adult, can drink beer, cider, or wine with their meal. However, UK alcohol laws do not allow them to buy an alcoholic drink until they reach 18 years old.  

Although young people may try, or be exposed to, alcohol before they are 18, it is not normal for them to drink in excess (especially when they are on their own), drink regularly, or be dependent on alcohol. 

If you are worried about the drug or alcohol use of a young person in your care, there are support services available to you.

How can parental alcohol and drug use affect children?

Alcohol or other drug use by a parent or carer puts children more at risk of harm, with one of the biggest risks being that they are unable to provide safe care for the young people in their care.

Parental alcohol or other drug use can also put children at risk of:

• abuse, including physical and emotional abuse
• taking on care responsibilities of their parents or siblings
• possible lead to neglect
• exposure to drugs or criminal activity

It can also affect children before birth. Using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can put babies at risk of withdrawal symptoms, birth defects, premature births and being born underweight.

It’s important that parents or carers who are concerned about their substance use get the advice and support they need. Click here to find support available to you.

How to speak to a child about alcohol and other drugs

If a child approaches you about alcohol or other drugs, it’s important not to be judgmental and listen openly to the young person.

Removing the stigma and threat of punishment will allow them to open up to you, trust you, and gives you a better opportunity to hear what has been going on.

If you’re a parent or career, it’s a good idea to familiarise and educate yourself on the topic, so if conversations around alcohol and drugs do happen you feel prepared. You can read our guide on how to talk to children about alcohol and other drugs here.

Where to find information and support for alcohol and drug use

Regardless of your age or situation, support is available for you.

Search for Barnardo’s support services near you or get in touch with one of the below organisations.

How we support families at Barnardo’s 

At Barnardo’s we support young people and their families with problems arising from alcohol and other drug use. There is also support available if you are a parent or career who is struggling.

What should I do if I’m worried about a child? 

If you are concerned that a child may be at imminent risk, always call 999 immediately.  

If you are concerned that a young person could be at non-immediate risk, there are services you can contact for support: 

• NSPCC - The NSPCC have a dedicated helpline you can contact if you are worried about a child. You can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing [email protected]. Find out more information here
• Childline - Childline offers free, confidential advice and support to all children, whatever your worry. Contact them online or on their freephone on 0800 1111

If you are worried about a child it is important that you share that concern. The information you have may help professionals to build a better picture about what might be happening.