Webwatch – A.D.A.M for teens affected by someone’s drinking

Alcohol Focus Scotland has developed a new website called A.D.A.M. (Another’s Drinking Affects Me) that encourages young people whose lives are being affected by someone’s drinking to get advice and seek help.

A.D.A.M. is aimed at 11-16 year olds and offers advice on how to cope using five animated characters who tell real life stories.

The site also provides links to local and national support services, encouraging young people to make contact and get help sooner rather than later. 

A.D.A.M. was developed in consultation with young people and practitioners from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee. Teenagers who shared their stories reported how they felt worried, scared, isolated and often didn’t know who to turn to.

It is estimated that over 51,000 children and young people in Scotland are living with parents who have an alcohol problem. ChildLine recently reported that calls from children and young people concerned about parents abusing drink or drugs had more than doubled in the last year. 

Jane Wilson, Senior Learning and Development Coordinator at Alcohol Focus Scotland said: “A.D.A.M. adds to our range of resources to support children affected by alcohol.  It is a much needed resource for young people who are affected by someone else’s drinking, whether a parent, sibling, friend or other relative. 

“The young people who we worked with to develop the site told us they wanted an online resource that they could explore on their own with tips and information on how to cope. The site gives support and advice, coping strategies and links to services where they can get help if they need it.”  

Visit A.D.A.M. here: www.adamresource.org.uk