coping with substance

abuse in your family?

substance abuse in your family > children and teens > does my parent have a problem

DOES MY PARENT REALLY HAVE AN ALCOHOL

OR OTHER DRUG PROBLEM?

The answer is so simple it almost sounds silly. If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, that's too much. This includes drinking too much liquor, beer, wine or wine coolers. Same goes for other drugs - including prescription pills. Every day or just on weekends. Whether they hide drinks or drugs at home or never use in the house. You can look through this list of questions, developed for Al-Anon to help see how your experiences may match up with someone else's.

Drinking too much or using drugs is a disease, like cancer. A disease that causes people to lose control over drinking and drugs. A disease that makes them think more about alcohol or drugs than you, and a disease that makes them do things they know are hurting themselves. Whenever they start, they can't seem to stop. They act strange. Maybe get into arguments or even fights. Do things they would never do if they were well. Afterward, they may be sorry, and try to make it up to you and the rest of your family.

What if it is not my mom or dad?
Families today come in lots of shapes and sizes. Chances are, your family is not a mother, father, two kids and a dog. Your family may have a step-mom or dad, or a parent's boyfriend or girlfriend. Maybe you live with your grandmother or grandfather, aunt or uncle. Maybe a foster parent. Maybe your parents are divorced, and the parent with the alcohol or drug problem lives in another state. It doesn't matter. If an adult you live with who takes care of you has a problem, you are affected!

Some questions to ask yourself
If you're still not sure there is a problem, check out the questions below:

Have you ever wanted your parent to cut down on his/her drinking?
Have you ever felt angry about your parent's drinking?
Have you ever felt guilty about your parent's drinking?
Does your parent ever have a drink first thing in the morning?

Now ask yourself the same questions about other drugs - and don't forget to think about any prescription medications your parent might be taking.

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, your mom or dad might have an alcohol or drug problem. If you want to learn more about addiction, click here .

You might also want to take a look at this questionnaire, that was developed by Al-Anon, an organization for family members of substance abusers.

So what next?
If your parent does have a drinking or drug problem, you don't need to just sit there and wait for it to disappear. There are things you can do now to help yourself feel better, even if your parent never stops drinking or drugging.