'Thousands of Liverpool Children' Living With Alcohol Problems Within Family
New figures have revealed that more than 20 thousand children in Liverpool are currently living with someone who has an alchohol problem.
A report by the All Party Parlimentary Group on children of Alcoholics claims 1 in 5 people (21%) of people recieving treatment for alchohol were living with children.
The Freedom of Information request has revealed that:
• Approximately 23,400 children are living with adults who are binge drinkers • Approximately 17,160 children are living with adults who drink at increased risk • Approximately 1,950 children are living with adults who are higher risk drinkers
It's claimed that children of alcoholics are three times more likely to consider suicide; three times more likely to become alcoholics themslves and five times more likely to develop eating disorders
Wavertree MP and Shadow Minister for Mental Health Luciana Berger said:
‘I was alarmed to learn that not a single local authority which replied to the request for information has a specific strategy in place to support children of alcoholics'
‘These important findings have shone a light on the unseen suffering of these children. It is vital that more is done to address this challenge. I will be pushing for the council to look closely at the needs of children as it develops its new alcohol strategy.’