The number of reports of parental drug and alcohol abuse have sky rocketed since lockdowns began according to new NSPCC figures.
Each month, an average of 1,178 people contacted the NSPCC to share concerns that a child was being put at risk by parents or carers' substance abuse.
It's a rise of two thirds during the pandemic, the research suggests.
Before the first lockdown there were 709 contacts a month.
The charity said that in October 2020, there were a record number of parental substance abuse concerns, with 1,369 reports made.
Overall there has been 11,784 reports of this type between April 1 2020, and January 31 2021.
The NSPCC is calling on the Government to keep access to substance misuse support services open as the pandemic continues, asking for a plan for investment in services to help families recover from the Covid crisis.
Kam Thandi, head of the NSPCC helpline, said: “Parental substance misuse can have a seriously detrimental impact on the whole family.
"The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have created a perfect storm for families affected by this problem.
“The pressures on families at the moment are unprecedented and it is no surprise that our helpline is hearing that parents and carers are struggling with substance misuse.
“To keep our children safe it’s vital that those who are relying on drugs and alcohol, to the extent that the care of their children is being compromised, must seek help.
“The Government must also invest more in local services.
“Our frontline practitioners have told us that many parents and carers are struggling to access specialist support services which will help them recover from the impact of the pandemic.”
