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Having a parent (or parents) with an alcohol or drug problem can be very scary for a teen. Read below for more information on how you can help your parent and yourself.

What You Should Know

Your parent's drug or alcohol problem could be a disease - alcoholism or a drug addiction. If a parent has this disease, he or she might do or say things that hurt you. But, you should realize it has nothing to do with you. Alcoholism and drug addition are illnesses and professionals are often needed to help the sick person. However, often people who suffer from drug addiction or alcoholism do not get the help they need. What you must understand is that you are not responsible for your parents' actions or problems.

Another important point we at The Southeast Missouri Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition would like to make is that just because your mom or dad does drugs or drinks too much alcohol, does not mean you will. Yes, alcoholism can be hereditary, but a person's environment plays a large role in the choices he or she makes. So, be sure to find healthy ways to deal with stress, relationships, social and school pressure. Get involved with groups at school or start a club yourself. Take up a hobby, such as writing, dance or photography. Or, get an after-school job - you will be helping yourself and making a little money!

Please remember, it is never your fault Your parents may blame their actions on family members, people at work, financial problems, or life in general, but it is not your fault. And, it is not your problem to fix, your parents have to take responsibility for their own actions. You do not make them drink or take drugs and you cannot make them stop!

Getting Help

Many children live with parents, or one parent, that chooses to abuse drugs and alcohol - you are not alone. But we understand, sometimes you may feel as if you are going through it alone. It takes courage to tell someone about your parent's problem, but telling an adult you trust is the first step towards helping yourself. Think about an adult you trust and when a good time would be to talk to them. It can be a scary thing, but in the end it will be worth it.

This information was obtained from www.freevibe.com

The friendly people at Alateen want to help you. Alateen is a fellowship of young people who's lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. They have support meetings, people and information that can help you. Please call them today at 1-800-821-4357 or log on to the website at
www.al-anon.alateen.org

Don't wait, get help for yourself today. Call Alateen, they're waiting.