It is easy to feel like you are the reason why your parent has an alcohol or drug addiction – but that is not true. Nothing you do caused your parent to drink or do drugs. Both are diseases and you need medical attention to overcome them. It is first important to understand the effects the alcohol or drugs will have on your parent. Then you will understand why your parent is acting the way they are.
How does addiction and alcoholism affect my family?
- You may feel a range of emotions from frustrated, to sad, to angry, to lonely, to embarrassed
- The parent might lose his or her job and might not be able to pay the bills
- The parent may not be able to care for all the children, and older siblings will have to help take care of younger siblings
- Some parents are physically or verbally abusive to their children or their spouse
So what can I do to make the situation better?
- First, acknowledge that there is a problem: don’t ignore the problem. The first step to helping your parent is recognizing the problem then speaking to a friend, trusted adult, or a hotline (1-800-344-2666).
- Recognize your feelings: write down your emotions or talk to a friend about them. It is better to voice how you are feeling than bottle it up.
- Stay informed: Research alcoholism or drug addiction so you can better understand what your parent’s illness is.
- Stay safe: if you are avoiding spending time at home because you are afraid, call (800) 799-SAFE. This is the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Or, if the danger is immediate, call 911 to get emergency help.
- Learn the best way to cope: your parent may be drinking or doing drugs as a way to cope with problems. However, this is not the correct way to deal with issues. Find a role model that copes through positive activities, such as running or singing.
- Seek help: Alcoholics Anonymous and Alateen are groups that provide help for people who are living with alcoholic parents
- Finally, stop the cycle: Because genetics and the environment are important risk factors of alcoholism, children of alcoholic parents are more likely to continue the cycle.