What can I do if my parent drinks too much?

What can I do if my parent
drinks too much?

To listen to this topic, click a play button below the people.
(you need speakers or headphones)

Manon
Librarian

John
Psychologist

Karen
Youth Worker

Many adults drink alcohol. A lot of them have no problems with their drinking.
They enjoy it, and know how to drink safely. But drinking alcohol can cause problems for some people. If you are worried that your parent is drinking too much, there might be a problem.

A Drinking Problem

It can be hard to tell if someone has a drinking problem. You can't tell just by how much they drink. What matters is if their drinking affects their life or yours.

These can be signs that your parent has a drinking problem:

Conflict

Accidents

Your parents fight about drinking

They hurt themselves or others
when they drink too much

Scary

You feel scared if one of
your parents is drinking

Forgetting

Your parent cannot remember what they said or did when they were drinking

If some of these happen at your home, it is a good idea to talk
to an adult about your worries.

Choose someone you trust, someone you feel comfortable talking to.

Your other parent, an aunt or uncle, a teacher or school counsellor, minister or neighbour, or a friend’s parent could help.

Tell them about your concerns.

If you don't feel safe at home or with your parent, you must tell another adult.

Ask if you can stay at a friend’s home for a while, or with a relative you trust.

Dos and Don’ts

If you think your parent has a drinking problem, there are things you can do to help. There are other things you should not do.

Do talk about your feelings with a friend or someone you trust. It is OK to feel angry or sad.

Do tell your parent how you feel about their drinking.

Do pick a good time to talk to your parent. Pick a time when your parent is sober.

Do encourage your parent to get help. There are people who can help them with their drinking problem. Don’t pretend there is no problem.

Don’t make excuses for your parent.

Don’t help them keep their secret, for example by hiding bottles.

You may also speak to someone at the Kids Help Phone line at 1-800-668-6868 or write to them, click here.

This page is for demonstration purposes by Axtell Health Information Specialists.