Today (13th February) marks the beginning of International Children of Alcoholics Week 2022 (COA Week), designed to raise awareness of the effects of parental alcohol problems on children.
Running until 19th February, the initiative is led by the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) and highlights the impact that parental drinking can have on both young children and grown adults.
This COA Week, Silent Voices – an Alcohol Action Ireland initiative – is launching a podcast which will feature the founders of Silent Voices, as well as campaigning around the issue on social media.
Supporting vulnerable children and families
Our work as a provider of legal alcohol testing services brings us into contact with many people and organisations that work with families struggling with alcohol abuse.
Here are some of the signs to look out for if you think you know a child who might be experiencing the effects of a parent’s drinking:
- They frequently miss school or fail to submit their homework on time (or at all)
- They seem reluctant to invite friends to their home and have become isolated
- They are taking on more responsibilities at home due to parents being absent or unable to look after them and their siblings
- They appear to be showing signs of neglect such as not being fed properly, or not having clean clothes
From family law professionals to local authorities and social workers, AlphaBiolabs works to provide a fast, reliable, and accurate alcohol testing service, providing clients with everything they need to paint a complete picture of an individual’s alcohol consumption.
This is especially important in cases where the safeguarding of children is paramount and enables authorities to make decisions quickly about a child’s welfare needs.
Join in the conversation on social media this International COA Week, using the hashtag #COAWeek2022, or visit the websites for Nacoa and Alcohol Action Ireland for more resources and support.
Alcohol testing services from AlphaBiolabs
Our legal alcohol testing services are used by family law professionals and local authorities across Ireland.
As a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory, we pride ourselves on the efficacy of our testing, providing rapid turnaround times.
We can test hair, breath, blood, and nail samples to establish an individual’s history of alcohol consumption. Continuous alcohol monitoring is also available with SCRAM® Testing.
We also offer workplace alcohol testing.
For more information or to request a quote, contact our Customer Services team on 01 402 9466 or email info@alphabiolabs.ie.
