I'm worried about alcohol

Alcohol is similar to drugs in that it affects the way you feel and act. It can cloud your judgement and make it easier for people to manipulate or abuse you. 

Drinking under the age of 16 is illegal. You can legally purchase alcohol when you are 18. 

It is possible to become addicted to alcohol. Some signs that you, or someone you know, may have an addiction include: 

  • often drinking so much you black out
  • acting in a way that is harmful to yourself or others when you are drunk 
  • needing to use alcohol to cope with problems or stress 
  • struggling to set limits on your drinking or finding it hard to stop drinking once you start 

Parents with an alcohol problem

If you have a parent with a drinking problem, this can make you stressed or worried about your home life. This can affect other parts of your life, such as school or your relationships with your friends. 

To find out more about how to get help for a parent who drinks too much, see the Childline guidance on parents and alcohol. 

If you're over 13, We Are With You can offer you free confidential support online or in person. They can offer advice and have helpful interactive tools online.