17 year old, Male, FL

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My mom is an alcoholic and I just want her to stop. Our relationship is terrible, and I don;t know what to do. My step dad is the same, and won’t say anything to her.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi, I’m so glad that you contacted us here at TEEN LINE. It sounds like you’re feeling anxious about your mom’s drinking, as well as your relationship with her. It is never easy to deal with a parent who is also an alcoholic, because their drinking affects their relationship with you, and as a result affects you directly. It is even harder to deal with it alone. I am wondering if you have a trusted adult you could talk to about your situation, such as a relative, teacher, or school counselor. Sometimes talking to a third-party can help you gain insight on your situation, as well as weigh whatever options you have. I also want to give you the number to Alateen, a twelve-step program designed for relatives and friends of alcoholics. Their number is (757) 563-1600, and their website is http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/. It might benefit you to look into local meetings. If you want to talk to us some more, TEEN LINE is open seven days a week from six to ten PM PST. Our number is (310) 855-4673. We are here to listen.

a TEEN LINE listener

13 year old, Female, NV

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My mom has been drinking ALOT. I hate it when she does. She spends all of the family money on it. Shes always drunk. SHe leaves for 6 hours at a time at night. She smells like vodka HORRIBLY. I have to hold my breath around her. She wont stop. None of our family will come over because they dont want her to drink so i never get to see brothers or sisters or nieces… I am embarrassed when friends come over because she smells up the whole house and acts insane… I am so done with it and I dont know what to do…

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi,
Thanks for contacting TEEN LINE. It sounds like you’re very frustrated with your mother. An alcoholic’s lifestyle effects them and the people around them tremendously, and from your email, it seems that you have definitely been exposed to some negatives of your mother’s dependence. Have you discussed her behavior with another family member? Maybe with open communication your family can work on getting your mother help. Your mom’s alcoholism is not a shameful topic, in fact many kids have parents that struggle with it. They even have programs dedicated to teens in your situation. Alateen is a mutual support group for teens who know alcoholics, and they have locations all around the nation. Here’s the website http://www.nevadaal-anon.org/alateenhome.html where you can get information and find a meeting near you. I also encourage you to call us at TEEN LINE to talk. Our number is 310-855-4673, and we are open every day from 6-10pm PST. I hope you know that no matter what you are not alone.

a TEEN LINE listener