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Children with parents who have substantial drug and alcohol problems are prone to poor mental health, a plenary session at Community Care Live Scotland was told last week, writes Clare Jerrom.

Representatives from FSU Scotland explained that children who grow up in households where substance misuse is rife are likely to have attachment problems, behavioural and emotional difficulties.

They also have problems with school non-attendance, have low self-esteem and find themselves in a young carers role.

Outlining their work to the session, the FSU staff explained that there was “a lot of secrecy around the child’s world”. Children found maintaining secrets stressful and were also worried about social stigma and isolation.

They outlined the benefits in group work for these children as they could talk to others who had experienced similar situations to them. Talking to others in a group work can reduce the burden of responsibility and inappropriate self-blame.