When Your Parents Use Drugs

A: Adults have trouble dealing with their problems too. But if you are worried about your parent's drinking or drug use, he or she might have a disease – alcoholism or a drug addiction. These illnesses can cause a loss of control and serious emotional and mental complications that require professional help and counseling.

A: It's very hard for people to admit that they have a problem. Sometimes people don't realize how much control drugs have over their lives. Or, they might be terrified of asking for help or dealing with real life without drugs or alcohol.

A: Addiction to drugs and alcohol tends to run in families, but genetics or heredity is not the only factor. (A person can also develop a substance abuse problem even if a family member does not have the problem.) Also your environment and peer influences can influence drug use, too, so it's important to find healthy ways to deal with stress and problems.

A: No! 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.

A: 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.