How Can it Affect Pregnancy?

Even before they are born, children can be affected by their parents' behaviour and choices. Using drugs and alcohol during pregnancy can cause:

• Physical problems (birth defects) for the baby
• Poor growth and/or early birth
• Withdrawal symptoms for the baby after birth
• Long term problems with development.

If you are pregnant and you or your partner are struggling with drug misuse it is really important to talk to your GP or midwife about this so that they can help you have a healthy pregnancy and birth. You will not be judged by professionals – everyone will want to help you have a good, healthy start to family life.

How Can it Affect Children?

When parents are under the influence of substances it could mean they are not able to keep their child safe. They might not be able to make sure children have what they need emotionally and/or physically.

As children grow being around alcohol/drug use continues to cause harm:

• If family money is spent on drink and drugs there may not be enough for other things needed by the family like food and clothes.
• It is hard to provide the care and attention children need when you are under the influence of, or recovering from drug and alcohol misuse.
• You may not have a safe home – you may not keep drugs or drink safely out of reach, you may invite risky people into your home.
• Your child will notice when you are using and will worry about you. You may be frightening and ‘not yourself’ when you use. There is a much higher risk of domestic abuse.
• Your child may end up acting as your ‘carer’ - trying to look after you and/or brothers and sisters.

Children who grow up around drug and alcohol misuse are more likely to have mental health problems.

• They often have to get used to feeling anxious and worried a lot of the time.
• They might not feel good about themselves and have low confidence.
• They may have problems with their behaviour at home or at school.
• They may find it hard to concentrate and do their best at school because of their worries about home.

Having a parent who misuses drugs and/or alcohol can make childhood hard. It can make parents feel sad and guilty. You may not know what to do next but there is support available for you and your children if you need it.

If You Think You Have A Problem?

It can take time to accept you might have a problem. It might be others who mention it to you first. There may be signs that your drink and/or drug use is having a negative effect on you and your loved ones.

• You may worry about how you have behaved towards your loved ones when you have been using.
• You may notice that you are spending a lot of money on drink or drugs.
• Keeping up with daily routines and work might be harder.
• You may feel physically unwell if you do not have alcohol/drugs.

You might notice that it is hard to find the energy to spend time with your children. Caring for them might seem difficult and your patience might be less.

• Keep a diary of what you are drinking/using and how you feel physically and emotionally before and after.
• Choose a time when you are sober and calm. Ask your friends and family if they are worried about your use. Ask for their support.
• Keep away from places and people who tempt you to use.
• Try and increase the days you are not having any drink or drugs – if this seems too hard to do then talk to your GP or contact local support services.

Asking for help to take control of your drug and alcohol use is a really positive step. You and your children will benefit from this. Services will be keen to work with you to help you get back on track.