An estimated 100,000 children in Switzerland are growing up in homes heavily affected by alcohol or other substance use. From 16 to 22 March 2026, the National action week for children of parents with addiction, coordinated by Addiction Switzerland, brings this issue into public view once again. This year, 38 activities are being carried out across 15 cantons, giving affected children a voice and encouraging the wider public to pay closer attention to their situation.

Children of parents with addiction often live under severe emotional pressure. Many carry fear, shame, guilt and uncertainty on their own, while staying silent because they do not want to speak badly about their parents. They often remain unnoticed and only rarely reveal how difficult their home life is. That is why the campaign stresses the need to break the taboo and make sure these children receive the help and protection they need.

A key focus of this year’s campaign is also better support for parents. A new website, “Parenthood and addiction”, has been launched especially for professionals, offering guidance on family dynamics, the challenges faced by parents and children, and possible ways to improve the situation for the whole family. The material also makes clear that problematic substance use can weaken parenting capacities and daily routines, affecting a parent’s ability to provide safety, stability, comfort and care, even though substance use alone does not automatically mean that a parent cannot fulfil their parental role.

The campaign also highlights the importance of support that is understanding rather than judgmental. Many parents with addiction are afraid to seek help because they fear losing custody of their children, even though removal of custody is described as a last resort and family support is more commonly used. The new resources, together with brochures such as “What can people around them do?”, are meant to help professionals, relatives and communities recognise distress, start conversations and offer support. In this way, the campaign reaches beyond awareness raising and points towards practical help for both children and parents.

Find more from Sucht Schweiz (Switzerland, March 2026)