Close to one million Irish people grew up in a home with a problem drinker. 

The research by Maynooth University found a strong correlation between children who grow up in such an environment and the development of mental health problems later in life. 

“Children grow up in an environment of uncertainty, they literally sometimes don’t know day-to-day what the atmosphere will be like, what will be the implications,” Alcohol Action Ireland CEO Dr Sheila Gilheany said. 

“That kind of uncertainty leads to all sorts of other problems; it can lead to emotional problems, it can lead to mental health difficulties. 

“We know that an awful lot of trauma associated with this particular [phenomenon] is called an adverse child experience.” 

Dr Gilheany said people who have one mental health problem will often develop another one. 

“Having problems with anxiety, mental health difficulties can also lead to other problems like eating disorders, addiction problems - [an] intergenerational [problem],” she said. 

“Most of all, I think it really leads to an ongoing sense of not being sure of your place in the world.”

Guidelines

The HSE recommends women drink no more than 11 standard drinks (110g pure alcohol) during a single week with at least two alcohol free days. 

For men, they suggest no more than 17 standard drinks (170g pure alcohol) over a seven day period. 

If you feel you have a problem with alcohol, you can contact the HSE’s confidential helpline on 1800 459 459 from Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm.

Main image: Young man drinking at home. Picture by: Alamy.com