Alcohol is no ordinary commodity; it is a depressant drug with significant health implications for those who use it, and it is a significant risk factor for suicide, as recognised by the World Health Organisation.[1] Research on alcohol has shown how its consumption can play a variety of negative roles in relation to mental health difficulties. Not least, alcohol can be a contributory factor to mental health distress, it can be an exacerbator of existing mental health difficulties, while mental health difficulties can be a maintaining factor for alcohol consumption. Research shows that many people drink alcohol in a belief that it may help them overcome difficult emotions or situations.[2] However, using alcohol to cope[3] with trauma[4] or feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety may increase a person’s risk of developing alcohol dependence, as well as other long-term health and social harms associated with heavy alcohol consumption. Resultantly, the development of national standards for CAMHS must include dealing with the harms experienced by children and you people from alcohol – be that directly or indirectly...