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| Here are some commonly asked questions by kids and teens whose parents do illegal drugs or drink too much. If you're worried and don't know who to go to, call 1-800-788-2800 or check out resources at Get Help. |
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Q: IS MY MOM OR DAD SICK IF HE OR SHE DOES DRUGS OR DRINKS TOO MUCH?
A: If you are worried about your parent's drinking or drug use, they might have a disease -- alcoholism or a drug addiction. If this is the case, your parent is not a bad person; these diseases can cause a loss of control. If they have this disease, they might say or do something that hurts you, which they wouldn't do if they didn't drink or do drugs.
 Q: IF THEY ARE SICK, WHY DON'T THEY GO TO THE HOSPITAL?
A: At first, they don't even know that they are ill. Sometimes it's very hard for people to admit that they have a problem-they are in denial. But even when they become aware that something is wrong, they might not believe that drugs or alcohol are the problem.
Q: IF ONE OF MY PARENTS HAS THIS PROBLEM, WILL IT HAPPEN TO ME TOO?
A: Addiction to drugs and alcohol tends to run in families, and genetic factors partially explain this pattern. A person's environment, including their friends, how much work they have to do, and the ease of getting alcohol or drugs, also may influence how much someone drinks or does drugs. It is also important to remember that even if no other family member has a drug or alcohol addiction, it is still possible to develop a problem. But just because your mom or dad does drugs or drinks too much does not mean you will automatically develop alcoholism or drug dependence. Other things, such as being involved in sports, dance, music, writing and other after school activities, may help to protect even high-risk people from drug and alcohol problems.
Q: IS IT MY FAULT THAT MY MOM OR DAD DOES DRUGS OR DRINKS TOO MUCH?
A: No! They might blame things on other people, like you, or they might blame their job, the car, or whatever else is convenient. It's important to remember you can't control your mom or dad. Their alcoholism or drug addiction can be caused by many different things. Don't try to hide bottles or be perfect; you can't do anything about it. You did not cause the disease.
Q: DO OTHER KIDS HAVE PARENTS WHO DO DRUGS OR DRINK TOO MUCH?
A: Yes. You are not alone. There are lots of kids just like you. There are probably other kids in your class at school whose parents do drugs or drink too much-kids you would never think of might have a parent like yours. Maybe you know some of them because you've been to their house. In fact, one out of four kids under the age of 20 in the United States is exposed to alcohol abuse and dependence in the family environment. You really aren't alone.
Q: WHAT CAN I DO?
 A: Find someone you trust and talk to them about it. It could be a teacher, a friend's parents, a big brother or sister, a minister or priest, a coach, a nurse or doctor, or someone else who will listen to you. Remember, if you're worried and don't know who to go to, call 1-800-788-2800 or check out resources at Get Help.
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WHY PEOPLE TAKE DRUGS 
