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There's a lot of info out there on the Web, and let's face it, a lot of it sucks. And what's worse, a lot of it is just plain wrong. Check these links for legit drug info and other cool stuff. |
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Help for Children of Substance Abusers
Because one out of four people has a parent who uses drugs or drinks too much, know that you're not the only one out there who has to deal with this. Freevibe has a special letter for you from Dr. Alain Joffe, a doctor who has seen a lot of teens struggle with this. Read on, and remember that you're not alone.
Go straight to resources
"Now that I have learned to ask, I know how many children and teenagers there are like you, growing up in a family where one or both parents abuse drugs or alcohol. Kids like you have told me how scary it can be, how they worry about their parents but also about themselves. They want to have the same kind of life as their friends. They feel torn between keeping this secret about their family (maybe they have even been told not to tell anyone) and wanting to get help for themselves and for their mom or dad. They just wish their parent would stop drinking or using drugs so that the family can be happy together like other families. They tell me how they feel sad or depressed and that sometimes they feel responsible for their parent's behaviors. Maybe, they wonder, if they just did better in school or were better at sports or never did anything wrong, the drinking or drug use would stop.
I want you to know that you don't have to take care of this all by yourself, that help is available for you if you want it. Talk to someone you trust - maybe a counselor or teacher at school, someone in your church or synagogue or your doctor. Maybe the problem can't be fixed right away but at least you will have someone to talk with about your feelings, your worries and your hopes. Just talking, just sharing what you're feeling with someone can help a lot. There are even groups of kids like yourself who get together and support each other.
It's also important for you to realize that you did not cause your mom or dad's drinking or drug problem, you can't control how much they drink or use drugs and you can't cure (fix) the problem all by yourself. No matter how good or perfect you are, they will continue to drink or use drugs until they seek help for themselves. But you can get help for yourself. That is under your control.
It takes some courage to share this secret with somebody else. But telling an adult you trust is the first step towards helping yourself and maybe your parents. There are many adults around who care about you. Find one and let them help you. Good luck.
Links to people and places that are here to help you...
Alateen  1-888-4AL-ANON
Alateen is a national organization with local chapters where teens meet to talk about how their lives have been affected by a relative's or friend's drinking. Alateen meetings can also help kids who have been affected by someone's drug use. Find out if Alateen has a chapter in your community.
National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) 1-888-554-COAS
NACoA is an organization that provides resources for youth growing up with an alcohol or drug abusing parent.
Children of Alcoholics Foundation (COAF)
COAF helps children of alcoholics and drug abusers (while the name only mentions "alcoholics" COAF helps children of drug abusers too). COAF's web site has a special area that offers helpful resources for teens, such as steps you can take to feel better and safe and a list of books you can read for more information.
KidsPeace Crisis Hotline 1-800-334-4KID
KidsPeace offers 24-hour counseling through their toll-free hotline to help youth overcome crisis situations. TeenCentral.net is the organization's anonymous help-line Web site where you can share your story, get advice and see what other teens have to say.
TheCoolSpot.org: Someday, someplace you'll have to deal with someone offering you alcohol. Check out a place where you can learn about being yourself, thinking for yourself and how to deal with pressures of underage drinking.
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