One in five parents are ‘problem drinkers’

One in five parents in Northern Ireland are “problem drinkers”, research involving 1,000 children has suggested.

Research suggests one in five parents are “problem drinkers” in Northern Ireland

Three studies into suicide and alcohol abuse were commissioned by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and showed an apparent connection between alcohol abuse and suicidal behaviour.

A study conducted over a period of 10 years from 2001 to 2011 analysed 1,000 children and 1,097 parents and discovered one in five parents were classified as “problem drinkers”.

Families involved with “problem drinkers” were more likely to experience separations and divorces, while their offspring would spend larger amounts of time outside of the home and felt more detached from school.

Furthermore, the research showed that children developed strategies as coping mechanisms for their parents’ drinking.

Teams at the University of Ulster and Queen’s University, Belfast, conducted the three research studies.

“The research we are publishing today is testament to the commitment in Northern Ireland of individuals and organisations trying to understand more about these emotive and important issues,” commented Dr Janice Bailie, from the PHA.

“For anyone who has been affected by the suicide of a loved one or by the misuse of alcohol we hope that today’s conference reinforces the message that we are all committed to tackling these issues and in ensuring that all the invaluable information being gathered is available and being used to translate into visible and beneficial actions.”