The Department of Health and Social Care has announced further details on Government support for the children of alcohol-dependent parents. The funding follows a pledge earlier this year by the Health Secretary and campaigning by several MPs including a parliamentary group and a Manifesto for 'Children of Alcoholics'.
The Government release say £6 million will be available to support a package of measures including £4.5 million for an 'innovation fund for local authorities to develop plans that improve outcomes for children of alcohol-dependent parents'. £1 million will go to fund national capacity building by non-governmental organisations whilst '£500,000 to expand national helplines for children with alcoholic parents' which had been previously pledged.
Welcome news?
The announcement has been widely welcomed and has received extensive media coverage. Indeed few would not wish to see support for the estimated 200,000 children in England living with alcohol-dependent parents when considering the potential for significant negative effects on children, including the increased likelihood of later life alcohol problems and mental health issues.
However in response some have highlighted the wider issue of cuts to drug and alcohol services of £105 million since 2012/13, commenting that the 'Government is choosing to address the (admittedly very tragic) symptoms of the problem of alcohol dependence, not the problem itself (via funding for treatment services) or the causes of the problem'. Alcohol health advocates are also largely dissatisfied with a lack of national strategy for England & Wales and no stated intentions to act on issues such as minimum pricing or alcohol labelling.
Stigma and 'alcoholism'?
Another issue raised by the announcement is the sensitive issue of stigma and how to best address it. Indeed alcohol dependence is one of the most stigmatised conditions, with the desire to avoid the perceived shame of having a drink problems identified as a key driver behind denial or reluctance to seek treatment or support. However, whilst reducing the stigma of alcohol dependence was identified as a goal in the Manifesto and is likely to feature as a significant theme in the forthcoming programme, it has been argued that the language of alcoholism itself can drive stigma, partly by creating a separation between 'alcoholics' and other drinkers, many of whom may still experience problems.
Earlier this year a Guardian article called for the language of alcoholism to be retired in public debates and media reporting, though some have argued that the priority should be raising awareness of the issue rather than being concerned about the language. Indeed whilst some media reports avoided alcoholism terminology altogether, the Guardian's own coverage repeatedly adopted it, albeit not conflated with broader definitions of alcohol misuse and non-dependent drinking as has been previously seen.
Raising awareness via public debate?
A You and Yours programme aired today inviting callers to phone in with their experiences of other's alcohol problems, prompting presenter Winifred Robinson to comment there had been 'more texts in than I've ever seen'. Many of the calls involved moving accounts of people affected by their family or parent's drinking, with the presenter observing secrecy, guilt and denial as recurring themes. Guest Vivian Evans, Chief Exec of the charity Adfam which supports families affected by drug and alcohol problems, commented that 'we mustn't stereotype people with alcohol problems' and reflected that 'the value of peer support' seemed most important.
Certainly those experiencing alcohol dependency are often experiencing a range of complex problems including mental health issues, which treatment services and peer support can play significant roles in helping to address. The investment of money to support children affected by parental alcohol dependence will likely be seen as an opportunity not only to help those affected, but also to learn how best to do so. Whilst it is clear that alcohol treatment, family approaches and early intervention can all play important roles, reducing the stigma of alcohol problems so that people are be more able to recognise harmful drinking or seek support may also be seen as a key outcome.
Comments