Misleading data mars the debate on alcoholism | Letters

The recent focus given by the MPs Liam Byrne and Jonathan Ashworth to the plight of children and families of alcoholics has shed a welcome light on an important question – how best do we support individuals and families affected by substance misuse?However, the use of exaggerated numbers to support the cause is misleading and unhelpful. Recent reports, including the Guardian’s (16 February) claimed 2.5 million children live with an alcoholic parent. Yet according to the references pr