Children whose parents abuse alcohol can be left with insecurity and anxiety issues which affect them right into adulthood.
That's according to the CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland who is calling for a national conversation to raise awareness of the 200,000 children who are affected by parental problem alcohol use in their lives.
The daily experience of living with problem drinking in the home can cause great trauma for children which impacts on their development and causes a lot of instability in their young lives.
The charity's inaugural "End the Silence" series of events runs from today until next Monday and aims to highlight the hidden harm and offer support for those trying to live through it.
Speaking to RedFM News Dr Sheila Gilheaney says the silence around the misuse of alcohol can have a profound impact on the children in these homes.
"You have a whole family dynamic where we don't mention the problem. We keep it silent, we keep it quiet, we keep it hidden.
"We see that manifesting in later life, with problems like anxiety and depression.
"We see higher levels of eating disorders for example amongst children who grow up in these circumstances."
