Toolkit
About
200,000
Children currently living with the trauma of parental problem alcohol use
At least 200,000 children in Ireland are currently living with the trauma of parental problem alcohol use and a further 400,000 adults are living with its legacy, sometimes experiencing lasting difficulties with emotional, mental and physical health. Yet despite these large numbers this Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) remains a deeply hidden aspect of Ireland’s relationship with alcohol.
There are many reasons for this including family dynamics, shame and the wider societal conflict between our image of Ireland as a country which identifies strongly with drinking yet knows there is a huge price to pay for our alcohol use. This toolkit is an awareness raising resource for anyone who works with children, families and adults who have who have experienced this trauma.
How to use
This toolkit aims to provide awareness and
understanding to the issues people who grow up with problem alcohol use in the home may face.
It is also for anyone interested in learning more about problem alcohol use and its impact, including people who have experienced it themselves.
This resource does not aim to be a therapeutic intervention, but simply provides information and good quality resources based on best evidence available on this issue.
The toolkit was created by AAI with input from experts by experience from our Silent Voices initiative and professionals who work in this field.
Children
Research shows that about 1 in 6 young people in Ireland grow up with problem alcohol use in the home.
These resources have been compiled to help young people but may also be of interest to parents and professionals.
Adult children
Currently in Ireland around 400,000 adults are living with the legacy of parental problem alcohol use.
These resources are designed to help you start a journey of understanding and healing.
Professionals
Many different professionals come into contact with children and families and that is why it’s important that all professionals can recognise how ACEs can impact young people and respond accordingly.
PPAU is an ACE
About ACEs
These fact sheets are available for download to help spread the word about this issue in an accessible manner.
Join us in helping to #endthesilence around PPAU, a widespread issue and potentially harmful adverse childhood experience.
