Worried about a parent?

Are you worried about your parent’s drinking habits?

Are you worried about how their behaviour changes when they’ve been drinking?

Are you afraid of verbal or physical violence when your parent or another adult has been drinking?

Do you feel you have to protect a person who doesn’t drink from verbal or physical violence when your parent has been drinking?

Do you feel anxious, frustrated or depressed because of the effect of alcohol on your parents?

 

You need to know

  • You are not to blame
  • You did not cause your parent to drink
  • You are not responsible for what happens when they drink
  • You can’t control their drinking
  • You can’t cure their drinking

But... You can get help and support for yourself at this difficult time.

Help and support      

  • Talk to a trusted adult – a family member, teacher, guidance counsellor, GP or other adult you trust and you feel would understand your worry.
  • Talk to a trusted friend.
  • Contact your local alcohol counselling service [link to where to get support] or GP for confidential help and advice.
  • Contact Al-Anon  (for relatives and friends of problem drinkers)
    01 873 2699 between 10.30am – 2.30pm, Monday to Saturday
  • Contact Alateen (for children of problem drinkers)
    01 873 2699 between 10.30am – 2.30pm, Monday to Saturday

Fact or Myth

Watch the underage drinking tv ad