Email: Dad’s an alcoholic, mostly away. Unhappy. (US)
So sorry, empathise. Many teens worldwide live with parents suffering with alcohol or drug problems, we are not alone. Negatively impacts how we think, feel, act. Worried, angry, sad, frustrated, neglected, mis-treated, unwanted, unworthy. Plunges entire family life into darkness. Struggle to pay bills, conflicts, unhappy bonds.
Please seek structured counselling from local support groups (teachers, doctors, therapists, relatives, friends). Let them know exactly what we’re going through. Sharing insecurities brings real relief, healing help is precious. Don’t bury emotions, project everything’s OK. Express feelings naturally, process rationally. It’s not our fault if a parent loses control, no blaming self. Somewhere hidden maybe a funny, fascinating person with a knack for telling silly stories!
Teens with a substance abuse parent are at higher risk of having similar problems. Support groups, therapies help avoid the risk. Focus on self-love, self-care, enjoy creative passion pursuits, positively meaningful. Build energetic, playful, honest, happy inter-personal, intimate relationships. All bonds go through hell, but only real ones can walk through fire!
Create safe, respectful boundaries. Whole-heartedly listen, share stuff with both parents. Stay for sensitive support or delicately detach as needed. Best to forgive, let go of resentment. Balance with compassion to heal the pain, hope for the best. Keep the faith, keep believing, keep facing the sun.