# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Drinkaware provides independent alcohol advice, information and tools to help people make better choices about their drinking.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home | Adfam | Family drug support - information for the families of drug and alcohol users

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information and support for the families of drug and alcohol users

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In partnership with Adfam.
Start a conversation
We'll be using this opportunity to start a conversation around harmful drinking to help break the cycle of silence and stigma that is all too often experienced by families. We'll do this by sharing the stories of people affected by harmful drinking, as well as case studies of alcohol services doing great work around the country.
Help people seek support
We will be signposting anyone affected by harmful drinking to the support they need.
Join the discussion
We'll be sharing information, resources and stories throughout the week on Facebook and Twitter. You can get involved by using the hashtag #AAW2017.

If you are a family member who has been affected by a relative's drinking and would like to share your story, please get in touch at: [email protected]
Resources
We'll have a number of online resources that will be free to download, including:

Expert factsheets on various issues associated with alcohol and families

An easy to understand, visual depiction of the Chief Medical Officers' guidelines for low-risk drinking for print and social media use

A bank for statistics for you to use

If you would like to receive this pack directly to your email, please email [email protected]

We offer a range of training courses and events for private and public sector organisations to help you promote alcohol awareness, both during Alcohol Awareness Week and throughout the year. Find out more here.
Stay in touch
If you would like to get involved or be kept up-to-date with our plans for Alcohol Awareness Week 2017, email us at: [email protected]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In partnership with Adfam. Start a conversation We'll be using this opportunity to start a conversation around harmful drinking to help break the cycle of silence and stigma that is all too often experienced by families. We'll do this by sharing the stories of people affected by harmful drinking, as well as case studies of alcohol services doing great work around the country.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Three in 10 parents say they have been drunk in front of their children and half have been tipsy, and such behaviour can trigger family rows or make children anxious, research suggests.

Even moderate drinking by parents can leave children feeling embarrassed or worried or lead to their bedtime being disrupted, according to the study led by the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS).

It is the first evidence that even low-level parental drinking - at no more than 14 units a week - can prove damaging to children. Children who see a parent tipsy or drunk are less likely to see them as a positive role model, the report says.

The findings have prompted calls for parents to think more carefully about their alcohol consumption and for the government to overhaul official advice about when and how much people should drink.

"It is worrying that the majority of parents reported being tipsy or drunk in front of their child. All parents strive to do what's best for their children, but this report has highlighted a troubling gap in their knowledge," said Katherine Brown, the IAS's chief executive.

"Parents who have a glass or two of wine in the evening deserve to understand how this might affect their children and the steps they can take to minimise this impact."

The report, co-produced with the Alcohol and Families Alliance and Alcohol Focus Scotland, says 29% of parents believe it is acceptable to get drunk in front of their children as long as that does not happen very often.

Other findings include:

15% of children have asked their parents to drink less.

16% of parents have felt guilty or ashamed of their parenting as a result of their drinking.

12% of children said their parents paid them less attention because of their drinking.

11- and 12-year-olds described alcohol as "like sugar for adults" and said parents drink to "solve their problems".

Anne Longfield, the children's commissioner for England, said: "Many parents make the unwise assumption that even moderate levels of drinking doesn't bother their children. Parents need to make a judgment before they drink on what impact their drinking might have on their kids..

"We know some children become very anxious when their parents use alcohol in ways that lead to uncertain, unusual or unpredictable behaviour. In my view the best way to make that judgment, as in lots of areas to do with children, is ask them, listen to what they say and act accordingly."

The report is based on interviews with a representative survey of 997 adults and their children around the UK. All the parents said they consumed no more alcohol than the 14 units a week recommended in official guidelines.

The former health minister Caroline Flint, who is the daughter of an alcoholic, said: "We too quickly dismiss parental drinking as harmless fun and relaxation, but this report shows that parents do not need to be regularly drinking large amounts for their children to see a change in their behaviour and experience problems."

Alison Douglas, the chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said the switch in recent years from drinking in pubs to buying alcohol in supermarkets and off-licences meant children now saw parents drinking more than before.

"This means children are more likely to be around alcohol and to witness drunkenness. As well as the negative impacts on children's wellbeing, seeing how adults drink can have a big influence on our children's future drinking habits," she said.

The Department of Health said it was aware that parents' drinking habits could harm their offspring and it was considering what measures it might take.

"While no one would want to interfere with the right of adults to enjoy a drink responsibly, we are committed to giving people the information they need to make informed choices about their drinking, which we provide through the UK chief medical officers' guidelines," a spokesman said.

"We are also acutely aware of the impact adults' drinking can have on their children. That's why we are looking at what further support we can provide to tackle alcohol harms, focusing on vulnerable groups including families and children."

Jon Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, who has spoken about his father's death as a result of drinking, said: "This crucial report highlights that even non-dependent parental drinking has serious health implications on children and families.

"Children are incredibly perceptive of their parent's drinking habits and this analysis must serve as a wake-up call to the government."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Even moderate drinking by parents can upset children - study

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Three in 10 parents say they have been drunk in front of their children and half have been tipsy, and such behaviour can trigger family rows or make children anxious, research suggests. Even moderate drinking by parents can leave children feeling embarrassed or worried or lead to their bedtime being disrupted, according to the study led by the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You've had a long and busy day. A drink or two will help you sleep, won't it?

Alcohol might help you nod off, but even just a couple of drinks can affect the quality of your sleep. And if you're regularly drinking more than the UK Chief Medical Officer's low risk unit guidelines, you may find you wake up the next day feeling like you haven't had any rest at all.

How alcohol affects your sleep patterns

Regular drinking can affect the quality of your sleep making you feel tired and sluggish. This is because drinking disrupts your sleep cycle.1

When you drink alcohol before bed you may fall into deep sleep quicker. This is why some people find drinking alcohol helps them drop-off to sleep. But as the night goes on you spend less time in this deep sleep and more time than usual in the less restful, Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep. ²

This can leave you feeling tired the next day no matter how long you stay in bed.

But having alcohol-free days can help. You should be sleeping better and find it easier to wake up in the morning.

Drinking can equal a disturbed night's sleep

When you drink more than usual, you may have to get up in the night to go to the toilet. And it's not just the liquid you've drunk that you'll be getting rid of. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it encourages the body to lose extra fluid though sweat too, making you dehydrated.

Drinking can also make you snore loudly. It relaxes the muscles in your body, which means the tissue in your throat, mouth and nose can stop air flowing smoothly, and is more likely to vibrate.

So, all in all alcohol can equal a fitful night's sleep.
Find out if you're drinking too much with our Alcohol Self Assessment Test
Why you should avoid alcohol just before bedtime

If you are drinking alcohol, try to avoid it too close to bedtime. Give your body time to process the alcohol you've drunk before you try to sleep - on average it takes an hour to process one unit, but this can vary widely from person to person.
Find out how many units are in your drinks with our unit and Calorie Calculator
Download the free Drinkaware app to keep track of what you're drinking over time and set yourself goals for cutting back.
You could still be over the drink driving limit the next morning. Understand the risks here
Tips for a good night's sleep

Some things to try if you want to sleep soundly and wake up feeling fresh:

Stay away from caffeine and alcohol late in the evening. Try a hot, milky or herbal drink instead.

Make sure your bedroom is cool and uncluttered, and your bed is comfortable.

Take exercise to relieve the day's stresses and strains.

Make lists of things to be tackled the next day before you go to bed, so they're not swimming around in your head.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You've had a long and busy day. A drink or two will help you sleep, won't it? Alcohol might help you nod off, but even just a couple of drinks can affect the quality of your sleep.