NACOA (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics) is a registered charity (No. 1009143), founded in 1990 to address the needs of children growing up in families where one or both parents suffer from alcoholism or a similar addictive problem. This includes children of all ages, many of whose problems only become apparent in adulthood.

NACOA has four broad aims:

1. To offer information, advice and support to children of alcohol-dependent parents
2. To reach professionals who work with them
3. To raise their profile in the public consciousness
4. To promote research into the problems they face and the prevention of alcoholism developing in this vulnerable group