TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My mother is a heavy alcoholic and she was taken away today from detoxing off not only alcohol but some sort of drug. I'm scared, and I'm having really bad anxiety, and I really have no friends to talk to about it.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
I'm glad you emailed us here at TEENLINE. It seems like you're going through a really, really tough time right now. It sounds like you feel scared, and dealing with hard situations can be even worse when you feel like you have no one to turn to. This is really something you shouldn't have to go through alone. You might try talking to a school counselor, or someone else in your family. It might also really help you to contact Alateen, a 12-step program for relatives and friends of alcoholics. They might be able to provide you support and understanding because they've been in the same situation. You can find a local meeting at http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/english.html. You can always call us any night from 6 to 10 pm PST at 800-852-8336, we would love to support you in any way that we can.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
my friend says she hears voices in her head, she claims its not schizophrenea, and won't get help. she smokes a lot of pot i know by research that pot isnt that harmful but i know that it can't help this situation. what should i do?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, Thanks for contacting TEEN LINE. It looks like you're feeling really stuck and don't know how to help your friend. It must be difficult for you to want to help her when she doesn't want you to. It's really great that you're standing by her side though. First of all, pot IS harmful to the brain. It especially does more damage at a younger age. Stopping would be a really good choice. If you felt comfortable, it might be a good idea to speak to one of her parents about it. It is important for her to be safe and get the help she deserves. It would also be helpful for her to see a therapist about this. You can also call TEEN LINE anytime you need someone to talk to. Your friend could also call. We are open every night from 6pm to 10pm PST. Our number is 310 855 4673. Thanks!!

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I've been struggling with alcohol off and on for the past five years and so many people have said get to a meeting but i've been and everybody there is old, where can I find an AA meeting for young people where I can relate

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, Thanks for E-mailing TEEN LINE. I can imagine that dealing with an alcohol problem would be difficult, and it's good that you have people that are supporting you in getting help. It must have been frustrating to go to a meeting were you couldn't relate to anyone. I wonder if you have possibly tried going to a meeting at a different time or location, not all meetings are the same. You can ask someone who goes to meetings where you can meetings for young people. Also, if you would like to find another location you can visit www.AA.org. If you want to talk call us at 310-855-4673 between 6-10p pst.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
i m only 14 and im already getting into drugs and drinking and there is alot more things but i dont know what to do im confused.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, Thanks for E-mailing TEEN LINE. Its sounds like you are dealing with a lot and are feeling very worried, and i'm glad that you are brave enough to contact us. It is important that you have support, so, I was wondering if there was anyone you could talk to about this like a friend or a trusted adult, or possibly a school counselor.I would also like to give you a referral to Alcohol Anonyomous: (800)923-8722, and a Narcotics Anonymous Meeting Information Line: (818)773-9999. It sounds like you have much more going on than just drugs and alcohol. If you would like to talk to someone else about those issues you can call us here at TEEN LINE. We are open from 6pm - 10pm PST our number is (800) 852 - 8336.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I'm bipolar and I can't stand my meds that I'm on, but once if I stop taking them then I go right back to drinking and flashbacks from my past start coming back. I don't want to remember what my past was, but at the same time I don't want to forget.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey

That must be so hard to deal with. You're not alone in your feelings about taking meds and dealing with bipolar disorder. It sounds like there must be a lot of pain there if you don't want to remember your past and that must be really tough for you. I can understand why you wouldn't want to take your meds but it definitely seems like not taking them has bad repurcussions. Maybe you can talk to your psychiatrist about your feelings about taking the medication. Is there anyone you can talk to about what your going through? It might really help to have someone listen to what's going on. Of course, you can always call TEEN LINE. We are open from 6 to 10 pst and our number is 310-855-4673. You can also chat with us online at teenlineonline.org

a TEEN LINE listener