Now we know that this is a difficult situation for you to deal with on your own.

Well, the good news is - You don't have to! There are loads of people who will give you help and support - if you want it. Here's some ideas . . .

Your friends - are people that you can talk to, share experiences with, share feelings with. They can give you moral support.

Your relatives - can listen to your concerns, can provide a safe place for you to go, can perhaps talk to your parent - if you want them to.

Your school - a teacher or counsellor at school can give you advice on what to do, they can contact other agencies who can offer help.

Your Youth Club - or other group - any group of people that you associate with can offer support. The adults may be able to advise you, the younger people can offer moral support.

Your Local Citizens Advice Bureau - places like this are there to give advice to people with problems - any problems. That's what they are there for. They will be happy to help you.

Your Local Drug or Alcohol Advice Centre - places like this deal with people affected by another person's drug or alcohol abuse all the time. They will have the knowledge and experience to offer you a lot of help and support.

Apart from local sources of support - like those listed above - there are national organisations that can offer you information, help and advice.

National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA)
PO Box 64
Fishponds
Bristol
BS16 - 2HU
Tel: 0117 - 9573432
(Free) Helpline: 0800 - 289061
A registered charity that helps children growing up in families where one or both parents suffer from alcoholism - or a similar addictive probem, including drug abuse.

Families Anonymous - UK   A fellowship for relatives and friends of people who abuse drugs or alcohol or who have related behavioural problems. This site describes the fellowship, has information for families and friends, and describes the literature available from FA.

Adfam   Adfam - exists to raise awareness about - and take action to alleviate - the problems faced by families coping with drugs and alcohol. Adfam's vision is a United Kingdom where every family member facing problems with drugs or alcohol will have access to a range of specialised services.

Al-Anon UK & Eire   Al-Anon is a fellowship that exists to help families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a family member, relative or friend. This is the UK and Eire website, which has loads of information and local contact details.