The seventh annual Swiss National Action Week for children of parents with addiction took place from March 17-23, 2025, coordinated by Addiction Suisse. This awareness initiative, part of the broader program PAPA BOIT. MAMAN BOIT, aims to highlight the often overlooked situation of approximately 100,000 children in Switzerland who live with parents struggling with alcohol or substance misuse. This initiative was inspired by a similar movement started by the American organization National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA) and has expanded to several countries, including Germany, the United States, Great Britain, and Slovenia.

Throughout the week, various organizations and institutions from fields like health, education, youth protection, and family support joined forces to increase visibility around these children’s experiences. Key objectives included promoting available support services for families affected by addiction, raising awareness among professionals who work directly with children, and encouraging the general public to recognize and respond sensitively to such situations in their communities.

The action week featured impactful testimonies from individuals who personally experienced parental addiction. Stories like those of Aline, who emphasizes the crucial support from her surroundings after her mother’s alcohol dependence, and Michel Sutter, who overcame the cycle of addiction he inherited from his parents, provided profound insights into these challenging realities. The artistic community also contributed, with actress Nina Langensand exploring family addiction through her theater piece “ALKOHOL,” inspired by her own experiences.

Supporting the initiative were prominent ambassadors such as radio and TV presenter Jean-Marc Richard, comedian Bruno Peki, and psychologist Daniela Danis. Events included film screenings and discussions, notably the documentary “Löwenzahnkind” and the feature film “Prinzessin,” both highlighting the deep and enduring impact addiction has on families. Addiction Suisse remains dedicated to fostering awareness, understanding, and proactive intervention to improve the lives of children living in these difficult environments.

Find more from Addiction Suisse (Switzerland, March 2025)

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