Many teens have a secret, a secret that others may also keep. The secret is that their parent is an alcoholic. While most teens have stresses in their lives, teens who live with an alcoholic parent have extra stress. Alcoholism is a disease that often tears apart families. While the teen loves the person who is drinking, they do not love the behavior. Often times alcoholic parents are emotionally or physically abusive to others in the family. Sometimes drunk parents get violent and break things. They may do embarrassing things in public.

You are not alone, if you have an alcoholic parent. Remember that the only person who can change the alcoholic behavior is that person. Denying the problem, or covering up for them, does not help at all. All it does is cause the drunk person to be able to continue their behavior. Most communities have an organization called Alateen. This group is made up of teens who have someone in their family who is an alcoholic. They can help teens deal with the stresses of living in a home where this goes on.

Talking to a trusted adult can help too. Make an appointment with your school nurse or counselor, or call your healthcare provider or religious leader.

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