TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My mom is on drugs and is high 24/7 and is constantly yelling at me. My dad is clean and all but he's verbally abususive and takes his anger out on me. I just want to runaway and get away from it all and am so desperate I will sleep ANYWHERE to get out of this house. But I already screwed up a chance at a shelter cause I ranaway from home before and then from there to. I've been home for weeks now and honestly feel like I'm about to lose my mind! I want to go back to the shelter but I'm afraid that they won't take me back after the first time. I don't know what to do, and feel like I have NO CONTROL over anything in my life. I just feel like such a big screw up...I smoke and drink to forget about my problems at home and everything is just a big mess right now. I don't know what to do....

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Thanks for contacting TEEN LINE.

I'm real sorry that you have to go through all of this. I'm glad that you asked for help though. Does your mom know that what she's doing is hurting you? Maybe your parents aren't completely aware of how much their actions are affecting you. Verbal abuse can hurt a lot, and it's hard to bare. Maybe you have some friends that you can talk to about this? I can imagine how difficult it would be to go through everything you're dealing with witho ut anyone to give you support. Even if your friend/teacher/counselor can't give you perfect advice, it could be relieving to know someone is on your side.

If you ever feel like you want to run away again, maybe you could give us a call to talk things out. We can also give you referrals to other runaway shelters in your area if you need those.

You mentioned that you've been drinking and smoking to help forget about your problems. It's understandable that you might turn to drugs, but I'm scared for you because drugs are dangerous. They may seem like a quick escape from what's around you, but they can lead to serious effects that may show up much later. Adiction is also something that I wouldn't want happening to you. Different people cope with things in different ways, but regardless, you're not a screw up!

I hope that everything turns out okay, and please call us if you feel like it. Our number is 310-855-4673 and we're open every night 6-10PM (PST).Good luck!
-A TEEN LINE Volunteer