Growing up with alcohol-dependent parents is an extremely common, and oftentimes devastating experience.
According to the NSPCC, in 2024 – 71,580 children were identified through Child in Need assessments as having a parent in this position.
Parents with substance abuse issues
Parents with issues around substance abuse can be unpredictable, aggressive, and/or neglectful.
This can have serious implications for health, safety, education and how children develop into adults both physically and mentally.
Navigating alcohol-dependent parents as an adult
You may be reading this and thinking about your own parents. The experiences you had a completely valid, and there may be bad memories that have stayed with you, or dictated the life choices you have made. You may feel driven by a motor to avoid the same fate as your parents, or worry that your drinking habits, like theirs – are starting to spiral.
Alcohol addiction is a greatly misunderstood experience and there is help available no matter your situation.
If you choose, as an adult to go back and explore ways to let go of the things that made your childhood especially difficult, counselling can be a helpful way to build emotional resilience and help you feel at peace with your childhood.
How counselling can help
In the past I fostered over 100 children, many of which came from situations involving substance abuse.
If you would like to book a session with a qualified counsellor who truly understands this subject, please give me a call.
My sessions are held in Greatstone, with every session tailored to you as an individual.
Jackie Jones
Counselling in Greatstone
07961 771 838