Drug and Alcohol Problems in the Family Can be Tough!

Having a family member like your mum or dad, a brother or sister with a drug or alcohol problem can be really tough. You might worry about them all the time. It can cause fights in the family, hassles with money and problems with the police. They might do or say things that make us feel embarrassed when they are out of it or even get angry or violent. You might have to take care of them or take days off school when things are really bad. It can make us feel sad and alone and can be a hard thing to talk about. It can also be frustrating and make us angry when we see that drugs or alcohol are wrecking their life and making it hard for others in the family.

• Don’t blame yourself. It is not your fault. Drug and alcohol problems are a health issue and you can’t “fix” someone else. For a person to stop taking drugs or drinking they have to want to change and this can take time.

• Learn what you can about what different drugs do and how they can affect people.  If you have started drinking sometimes or experimenting with drugs set some limits.

• Be realistic about their recovery. It can take time to get drug and alcohol problems sorted and there may be times when they slip up.

• It really helps to have people like a youth worker, counsellor or good friend we can talk to, so that the stress does not get to you. While talking does not change the situation, it can help us cope rather than letting things build up until we feel like we are about to explode. It’s best if they are not part of your family so you can be really honest about how you feel and not have to worry they will be offended, get upset or defensive.

• It is also important that we keep doing regular stuff such as hanging out with our friends and doing things we like.

• Sometimes keeping a diary where we can write down our thoughts and feelings can help. Doing art, writing stories, going for a skate; all these things are important to help release feelings that can get stuck inside.

• Look after your own health. Eat regularly and not too much junk food and sugary stuff and try to get a regular good nights sleep.

• Remember hang on to your hopes and dreams they are the wings we need to fly above the tough stuff.

Support for Young Carers

For confidential email support write to myquestion@yds.org.au

Young Carers NSW

Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre   1800 242 636

Family Drug Support phone line  (24 hours, 7 days)   1300 368 186

Kids Help Line   1800 55 1800