The book, which is being launched by Alcohol Focus Scotland, is aimed at children and those who are dealing with those children including teachers, counsellors and social workers. Entitled ‘Rory’, the book centres on a dog who doesn’t understand his owner’s behaviour until it is explained that the owner has a problem with alcohol. It was originally published in Switzerland by the Swiss Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Problems (SIPA) and has now been translated for use in Scotland.  

There are an estimated 100,000 children in Scotland who have at least one parents dealing with an alcohol abuse problem.  These children are particularly vulnerable to their parent’s unpredictable behaviour, rows, neglect, domestic violence, and under-achievement at school. 

Jack Law, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said: ”Too many children’s lives are blighted by their parent’s drinking problems and this book is one way of raising awareness of this issue.  

“As well as making sure people with alcohol problems receive appropriate treatment, we also need to protect the children of problem drinkers so they don’t feel alone or confused about their parent’s behaviour. Children need support to understand that they can’t stop their parents drinking, only they can do this and they have to want to change.”

Nicola Barry, journalist and author of “Mother’s Ruin” said: “Rory is a delightful, highly readable and important book - one which will bring hope and understanding to thousands of children whose parents have a problem with alcohol.

“I only wish there had been something similar around when I was growing up with an alcoholic mother. I might not have wasted so much time and energy feeling guilty and responsible, when, all the time, nothing I could have done would have stopped her drinking.”