NSPCC referals over drug and alcohol abuse in the East soar during lockdown
NSPCC referals in the East risen rapidly since the pandemic.
Latest figures from the NSPCC show the number of referals being made to external agencies, such as the police and children's services, about parental alcohol and drug abuse has more than doubled since April 2020.
Between January and March 2020 the charity made a total of 130 referals in the East, that's an average of 51 a month.
That shot up to 1259 during the pandemic (April 2020 to January 2021), bringing the monthly average to 136.
That's an increase in our region of 149%.
Nationally the number of people calling the NSPCC Helpline with concerns about a parents' use of drugs and alcohol has increased by 66% since the first lockdown.
The new figures come as this week marks Children of Alcoholics Week, which aims to raise awareness of children affected by their parents substance abuse problems.
The NSPCC says living in a household where a parent or carer misuses substances does not necessarily mean a child will experience abuse, but it can make it more difficult for parents to provide safe and consistent care, and this can lead to abuse or neglect.
It can also have a serious impact on children's emotional well-being.
The charity added that due to the pandemic, children are much more immersed in the problems they are facing at home.
Schools have stayed open for vulnerable children and those of key workers, but many remain at home meaning there is no escape for those living with parental substance misuse.
Kam Thandi, Head of NSPCC Helpline explained: “Parental substance misuse can have a seriously detrimental impact on the whole family.
"The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have created a perfect storm for families affected by this problem.
“At the NSPCC helpline we’ve not only seen a rise in contacts and referrals but we’re also hearing from families who weren’t previously known to children’s services requiring help and support for substance misuse.
“The pressures on families at the moment are unprecedented and it is no surprise that our helpline is hearing that parents and carers are struggling with substance misuse.
"To keep our children safe it’s vital that those who are relying on drugs and alcohol, to the extent that the care of their children is being compromised, must seek help.
“The Government must also invest more in local services. Our frontline practitioners have told us that many parents and carers are struggling to access specialist support services which will help them recover from the impact of the pandemic.”
The NSPCC’s concerns are being backed by Adfam, a charity which provides support to families affected by drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.
Vivienne Evans OBE, Chief Executive, Adfam, said: “We are seeing that the usual daily challenges associated with a parent or family member’s alcohol or drug problem – fear, domestic abuse, isolation, loneliness, and mental stress – are being exacerbated by the lockdown measures.
"A staggering 88% of the families that we surveyed in our ‘Families in Lockdown’ survey told us that the first lockdown negatively impacted on their family member’s alcohol, drug or gambling problem.
"A third of families experienced an increase in verbal abuse from their family member and 13% feel more concerned than usual for their safety.
“As drug and alcohol misuse is so stigmatised, we know that many young people are scared to seek support, and for many children affected by parental substance use, the lockdown impedes them from the safety of the school environment.
"We know that with the right kind of support, children and young people can navigate this challenging time. We urge families not to wait until breaking point.”
Coco's story:
Coco, 39, lost her father to alcoholism when she was 19.
He was gregarious and fun but had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, which developed into alcoholism during her teenage years.
She said: “Dad was so funny and a practical joker. He was always playing tricks and making us laugh.
"His job meant that we moved around a bit and he was offered a really good role abroad so when I was nine we all went to live overseas.
"My first memories of things not being right was while we were living there.
"He started getting short tempered and things felt a bit different.
“We came back to the UK when I’d just turned 11.
"Things at home gradually got worse. Dad was drinking more and more and it was causing arguments between my parents.
"He wasn’t violent but there would be rows.
“It felt like me and my family were trapped on an island trying to deal with it alone. Nobody really wanted to talk about it so we were very isolated in our experiences.
"There was definitely a sense of shame attached to it all.
“We tried everything we could to help but there is a point where you have to step back from addicts you love because you cross a line and become an enabler.
"It caused overwhelming pain because we knew it wasn’t who he really was. We were so desperate to have our old dad back so it was incredibly painful to watch him fall apart like that. He sadly passed away when I was 19.”
What should I do if I'm concerned about a child?
The NSPCC is asking anyone who is concerned a child is at risk due to parental substance misuse, to contact the family helpline.
Trained professionals can offer advice to make sure everyone in the family receives the support they need - both parents and children.
You can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit Adfam's website to find your nearest online support group.