TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My mom died when I was 9 and my dad got remarried, to a woman with 3 sons who are older then me. My dad has never really been a heavy drinker but he has become a pretty bad alcoholic and he smokes pot. My dad and my step brothers dont really have a bonding relationship and 2 of them live with us. My dad always finds something wrong with them and my dad is basically mentally and emotionally abusing us. My parents fight all the time and the family is basically going down hill. I think they are going to get a divorce soon, but I hope not that soon. My dad is also going through some type of depression so it really doesnt help anyone. I never talk to my dad because everytime I try we always fight and then he gets all sad when I dont tell him things and when I tell my Step mom things. I can tell her things because she doesnt turn it into a fight, she actuall listens. I am not sure what I can do but I know my dad can be a better man and I know if he changes that our family will go back to being a good healthy family. Right now our house is always tense, you can feel it when u walk inside the house, its very unhealthy. Any Ideas on how my family can stay together and get better??? I think we have done all we can, we go to a therapist, my brothers go to a theraist, I go to one, my parents go to one, I just dont know anymore.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hello,
Thanks for contacting us!
It sounds to me like there is a lot going on in your life right now and im really glad that you are opening up and talking about it. Its important to not keep things bottled in because they can become too overwhelming. It is understandable that you are feeling worried about your family staying together, and i respect that you are trying to find a solution to the problem. That's great that your family is going to therapy. Have you also tried talking to any of your friends about what is going on? Maybe even a school counselor or a trusted teacher could be someone beneficial for you to talk to. Also, how about trying out a program called ALATEEN. ALATEEN specializes in helping youth and family members of alcoholics. Their number is 800 344 2666. Its important to find things you love to do and find ways to express yourself. Have you thought about writing in a journal or doing art? Maybe even excercise or reading could help. I really encourage you to call us so we can talk over the phone over what is going on. We are open from 6-10 pm 7 days a week. Our number is 1 800 852 8336.

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