Children of Alcoholics
“...I felt so alone. Every time my parents started drinking, I had a funny feeling in my stomach that something wasn't right. I was scared to tell anyone. I wondered why I had a parent who drank so much.”
One in four youth under age 18 years old lives in a home where a person either abuses alcohol or suffers from alcoholism. If this is the case with your parents, remember, it is not your fault. You can't control your parents. You don't make them drink or use drugs, and unfortunately, you can't make them stop either. You didn't cause the disease and you are not the problem. While you cannot stop your parents from drinking, you can take care of yourself.
The Seven C’s
- I Didn't Cause it
- I Can't Cure it
- I Can't Control it
- I Can Take Better Care of myself
- By Communicating my feelings
- Making healthy Choices,
- and Celebrating myself.
You can't control what your parent does about his or her problem, but you can get help for yourself. Consider speaking with a trusted adult like a teacher, aunt or uncle, counselor or coach. They will be able to support you during this tough time. There are also many groups with trained professionals who are willing to help you and your family.