A lack of specialist services means youngsters are forced to carry the burden of the "family secret" alone.

The group Turning Point estimates that up to 1.3 million children are living with parents who misuse alcohol and the number could rise as more and more people drink at hazardous levels.

As well as worrying that their family may be broken up if they seek help, children often struggle at school and may turn to drugs, alcohol or crime to cope.

They may also be responsible for running the family home or managing the family's budget.

Sue Winterburn manages the charity's Base Camp support service for youngsters aged between eight and 18. The service has three sites nationally, including Wakefield.

She said yesterday alcohol abuse is now "endemic in society" but remains a hidden issue within families, with parents and children reluctant to seek help.

"There is a stigma attached to alcohol misuse," she added.

"When people do seek help they often find it's not available.

"Even when parents with an alcohol problem are identified and questions asked about other family members, there is often no follow up."

Val Day, who co-manages the Base Camp service, said young people need advice and support early on to break the cycle of alcoholism and family breakdown.

Base Camp offers brief sessions usually over a six-month period but also has an "open door" policy for those who need to return for help.

She said: "Workers are trained to listen and provide support, advice and information in a non-judgmental way.

"Many young people are used to bottling up their feelings and this may be the first time they have ever been encouraged to discuss how they feel.

"They can feel isolated and find it hard to confide in others who don't have similar experiences."

A study from Bath University found positive changes among children who have attended the project. Ms Day said: "The project has become so vital in the areas we work in that we now have waiting lists for the service – evidence of the huge unmet need out there."