If a parent abuses drugs or alcohol it affects the whole family. It can cause upsets at home - rows - even violence. It can mean that everyone spends all their time trying to keep the parent happy. It can mean the parent doesn't give enough attention to their children.

Yet the parent often doesn't realise the effect that their drug or alcohol use has on other people - or rather, they DO know - but they try not to think about it.

They DENY that there is a problem

This can make young people feel very confused - as they CAN SEE that drug or alcohol abuse is causing problems at home - yet their parent pretends that there is no problem . . .

Is it like this at home for you

How do you feel when you see your parent abusing drugs or alcohol?
Do you feel scared? Sad? Angry?
Is this interfering with your school-work? With friendships at school?
Are you ashamed to bring friends home?

Whatever it's like for you this is a difficult situation for any young person to be in.

Let's see what can you can do to make life better . . .