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How Do I Help My Parent?How Can I Get My Parent to Get Help? How Can I Get My Parent to Get Help?You can't make a parent stop drinking or using drugs. Only they can decide to get help. But, if it's safe to do so, you can tell your parent how worried you are and give them information about places to go for help such as East Kootenay Addictions Services, Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Don't place yourself at risk, however, if your parent has a problem with anger control. Who Can I Turn to for Help?Talking about it will help you feel better and not so alone with your problem. If you don't feel ok talking to other family members or friends, there are professionals who can offer confidential help. You can also find out more about Al-Anon or Alateen, support groups for family and youth affected by someone else's drinking or drug use. There you will meet others who share your problems, and you'll find non-judgmental support. There are other great organizations you can turn to. How Do I Have Any Kind of "Normal" Life?It's sad but your life is probably pretty normal for kids whose parents are addicts. In fact, 1 in 4 kids have parents who are alcoholics or drug addicts. That doesn't make it right. Your parents' disease shouldn't be allowed to ruin your life. As much as possible, make sure your own needs get met. Try to do things that help you feel ok about yourself. Try sports, arts and other activities. Avoid drugs and alcohol at all costs. You don't want to go down the road your parents have gone down. You deserve a chance at a good life. Will Talking About the Problem Get My Parent in Trouble?You should not have to protect adults. You shouldn't have to call in sick for your parent or make excuses. You shouldn't have to be a parent to your parent. Maybe you know you need to ask for help but you're afraid that will have negative consequences for your parent. It's true, talking to someone about your problem may affect your parent, but you can't let that stop you. Not talking about your problem isn't really protecting your parent or you. Besides, there's a chance talking to an adult may help your parent to get the help they desperately need. If Things Get Really Bad, How Do I Protect Myself?If your parent abuses drugs or alcohol, you should have an emergency plan you can rely on in a difficult or potentially dangerous situation. Here are some tips:
Does My Parent's Addiction Mean He or She Doesn't Love Me?Alcohol and drugs can make people unable to show love, that doesn't mean they don't feel it. The problem with addiction is it takes away everything a person has — it's a disease. It's not your fault and it doesn't mean you aren't loveable. |
 
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