Alcohol and recreational drugs

Not all families affected by drug/alcohol use will experience family difficulties. However, parental drug/alcohol use may have significant and damaging consequences for children.

Research shows that parental alcohol misuse can have a considerable negative effect on children, young people and the family. Children growing up in households where alcohol use is problematic often do not achieve their full potential in life.

Regular drinking

The guidance advises that:

  • to keep health risks from drinking alcohol to a low levelyou are safest not regularly drinking more than 14 units per week – 14 units is equivalent to a bottle and a half of wine or five pints of export-type lager (5% abv) over the course of a week – this applies to both men and women
  • if you do drink as much as 14 units per week, it is best to spread this evenly over three days or more
  • if you have one or two heavy drinking sessions, you increase your risks of death from long-term illnesses and from accidents and injuries
  • the risk of developing a range of illnesses (including, for example, cancers of the mouth, throat and breast) increases with any amount you drink on a regular basis
  • if you wish to cut down the amount you're drinking, a good way to achieve this is to have several alcohol-free days each week

Drinking alcohol or using recreational substances whilst caring for a baby/infant:

We would recommend that you do not use alcohol or take recreational drugs whilst caring for your baby.

Alcohol will pass through your breast milk if you are breastfeeding and excessive levels may lead to your baby becoming drowsy. Regardless of feeding excess alcohol is not recommended if you have a new baby as it is usually a very tiring time initially when you need to be alert to your baby’s needs .

Alcohol and recreational drugs taken by parents or carers have been shown to increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (cot death) to babies.

Resources on other sites:

Your drinking and you- The facts on alcohol and how to cut down(NHS Change 4 life)

How safe is alcohol, smoking, medicines and breastfeeding? - Advice on taking medicines, drinking alcohol and smoking when breastfeeding

(The Breastfeeding Network)