As we said earlier if a parent is abusing alcohol or drugs, then it's very easy for their children to feel isolated and alone. Perhaps they think no-one would understand . . . perhaps they are embarassed to tell anyone that their parent acts like this . . . perhaps they think that the whole thing should be kept secret - or else their parent would get into trouble.

Is this how it is for you - Well, think again about this.

It's not true that no-one will understand. Chances are that some of your friends also have parents who behave like this.

You don't need to feel embarassed about how your parent behaves. It's a very common situation - it can happen to anyone.

Keeping this whole thing secret doesn't help. It doesn't help you - and it doesn't help your parent.

So we suggest that you don't keep your feelings bottled up inside. Find a person - or some people - that you trust and share with them about what it's like for you to see your parent behaving in the way that they do.

You might find it easiest to talk to a school-friend, or a relative, or a teacher. It doesn't matter who you choose - just whoever you feel comfortable with.

If you feel that you have nobody you can trust like this, then go to your local Drug & Alcohol Advice service (there is one in most towns) - as they will listen to you - and they won't tell anyone else.

Don't forget - that if you have no-one to talk to - you can always telephone ChildLine - on 0800 1111 This is a (free) telephone helpline for children and young people (up to age 18) with any problem - day or night.
ChildLine's counsellors are there to help you find ways to sort things out.