A campaign is being launched in Forth Valley warning that alcohol can ruin family life. Several hundred special packs are being delivered to ‘one stop’ shops, libraries, and GP surgeries, and messages are being displayed in shopping centres, night clubs and police stations, urging folk to be aware that excessive drinking can not only affect performance at work but can and does impact on children at home.

These actions form part of the Forth Valley Focus on Alcohol Campaign being run by Forth Valley Alcohol and Drug Partnership and Police Scotland. It is hoped that the messages given will signpost people to services and help them to seek help earlier.

Advice has also been circulated to schools, to remind parents that they are role models for their children, and urging them to keep a close watch on alcohol stocks in the house.
Recent research has revealed that most youngsters are not getting drink from retail outlets, but have access to the commodity within the home.

ADP Partnership Co-ordinator Elaine Lawlor said : “Although the message to reduce alcohol consumption appears to be getting through, with many people now drinking less, there are still many people who are drinking well outwith sensible limits.

“We had one instance where a child contacted a support service saying that both her parents had respected professional jobs but her life had become unbearable because of arguments in the house fuelled by alcohol. We must try to get people to stop this type of behaviour as the harm caused by it is significant.”

Chief Superintendent Davie Flynn, local police commander for the Forth Valley Division, added: “From a police perspective the vast majority of violent crime is alcohol-fuelled. Whilst violent crime and domestic incidents across Forth Valley have seen a reduction in number, one incident remains one incident too many. Alcohol is undoubtedly a factor in these cases and the impact upon victims and their families cannot be understated.”

Figures released by Alcohol Focus Scotland show that l in 2 people report being harmed as a result of someone else’s drinking. And those who know heavy drinkers are more likely to experience harm in private settings such as the home, or at private parties. Their report adds that the stress and burden of living with a problem drinker can result in relationship problems, tensions, arguments, unpredictability and chaotic lifestyles. For children this can translate into worry, fear and uncertainty, poor school attendance and neglect.

The campaign will also run on Social media through Twitter and Facebook.