Parents & Family / Question
Published: July 10, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My parents drink alcohol daily. Most days they drink with dinner and continue until they fall asleep. My mom falls asleep on the couch with a drink in her hand. On weekends they go out with friends and get completely drunk. When they get home around 2 or 3 they're loud and knock things over and sometimes fight. They sometimes have sex in their room but don't close the door all the way. This gives me a really bad and scared feeling inside. They also drive home drunk. I'm scared to death they'll kill themselves or someone else. Sometimes I can't find my mom in the morning and she's asleep on the bathroom floor with her pants around her ankles. No one knows this goes on. My sisters don't say anything about it or think it's a big deal but I wait up every night to be sure they get home safe. My dad always gets to work and they are great when they don't drink. No one would think they get like this. I don't know what to do. I can't sleep and I lock my door and play music so I don't have to hear them having sex. If I ever bring up the drinking they get mad or change the subject. What can I do to help them stop? I love my family when they don't drink.
Signed: Worried About Parents' Drinking Habits
Dear Worried About Parents' Drinking Habits,
TeenHealthFX understands that you love your parents and are very concerned for their welfare (and for your own!). Although it is difficult to judge whether or not your parents have a drinking problem or not over the Internet, your concern about their behavior after they drink - falling asleep with a drink, passing out in the bathroom, having sex indiscreetly, and drinking and driving are all warning signs that their drinking is a problem.
Talking to your parents is something you can try, however, if your parents do have a problem with drinking, it is not your responsibility to change it. If you decide to approach them, make it a time when they have not been drinking and do not accuse them of having a problem. Just convey your concern for them and that you have noticed some things that concern you.
There is an organization for teens that deals with this issue on a regular basis called Alateen or 1-888-4AL-ANON Their website is excellent and features a meeting locator that you can use to find a meeting near you.
You can also try talking to another adult that you trust like a relative, a teacher or your doctor. They may be able to talk to your parents about what is going on. If you think your parents may harm you or your sisters (by hitting or even driving drunk while you are in the car) dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Girls are more likely to intentionally abuse prescription drugs than boys.
