I've got a problem. I'm a twelve-year-old kid living with alcoholic parents. I love them both very much but it's hart do come home to fighting every day and not be in a bad mood to them. They wonder why I go to school and get into fights with other students and not feel like staying home. I try to tell them, but any time I bring up their drinking they tell me I'm just making up excuses and get mad at me. I can't bring my friends over, because she is too controlling and has me stay in after dark. What can I do to not go crazy and get my parents to stop getting drunk?
Thanks,
John
Denial, or refusing to believe the truth about a situation, can play a big role in an alcoholic's life. It sounds as though your parents are experiencing this. Problem drinkers may blame another person for his or her drinking because it is easier than taking responsibility for it. Alcoholic parents may become enraged at the slightest suggestion of having a drinking problem. In a case such as you own, the best thing you can do for your parents is talking to a school counsellor, favourite teacher, or coach. You can also find help through Al-Anon, an organization designed to help the families and friends of alcoholics, and has a group called Alateen, which can help children and teens deal with the stress of living in an alcoholic home. Alchoolic's Anonymous is another organization that offers programs and resources to help come with drinking problems. Don't be afraid to take the initative to reach out to others. Ignoring the situation will only intensify the problem.
You also asked what you could do to "not go crazy". John, I think it is important you talk to your parents about how their drinking problem is affecting you. Or, talk to a school counsellor; these people are professionally trained to handle issues. Have you tried taking up a sport to help release some of your bottled up frustrations, rather than getting into fights at school? How about taking up walking or going for a bike ride? The important point here is that you need to find a healthy outlet to release some of the energy and tension you are feeling.
I'm glad you were able to recognize the fact your situation needed support from an outside source. Good luck in everything you do, John.