600,000 children exposed to parents’ hazardous drinking

UP to 600,000 children are exposed to hazardous drinking by their parents on a regular basis, according to new research.

The study, written by alcohol policy consultant Dr Ann Hope, said alcohol and other drugs were the primary cause of concern in 15% of child welfare and abuse cases.

The report — Hidden Realities: Children’s Exposure to Risks from Parental Drinking in Ireland – was commissioned by Alcohol Forum, a charity based in the north west.