Surviving an Alcoholic Home During the Holidays - 5 Tips For Teens (Part 1)
This is part one of a three part article.
If your parents drink a lot or use drugs of any kind, this time of year can be overwhelming.
When I was growing up, both my parents drank a lot and the Christmas season was the very worst.
Below are some of the things that worked for me.
Today, as an adult, I get to choose how I spend my holiday.
I hope some of these tips will help you.
1.
No matter what, don't give up.
Some teenagers feel so sad and lonely this time of year that they commit suicide.
If you feel suicidal tell someone-a trusted teacher, a counselor at school, a relative or one of your friend's parents.
Pick someone who you trust and someone who's easy to talk to.
2.
If you're sad there can be many reasons.
For one thing, your parents drinking or drug use may increase this time of year and ignore you even more.
Then there are less hours of sunlight right now (December 21st is the shortest day of the year-the one with the least amount of daylight hours).
Some people, including me, experience a change in their body chemistry due to the lack of sunlight (this is known as SAD).
Also, as much as you look forward to a break from school, if you home isn't peaceful because your parents drink or use drugs-your body may be going through more stress which can also contribute to depression.
Some of the foods we eat at this time of year may taste great but they really are hard on your body.
If you can, try to avoid eating sweets.
The sugar can make you feel really good then really bad.
On top of all that, there are all these TV shows where everybody loves each other and the whole family gets along.
It can really make you feel bad about your own life.
So just know there are many things that make you feel bad at this time of year, but sooner or later this holiday season will end.
3.
Find safe places to go.
Even if it's really cold, maybe you can bundle up and take 2 or 3 long walks each day.
Is there a library where you can just sit and read a book or draw? Are there any clubs like boys or girls clubs that will be open? Do you have a relative or friend you can hang out with? If nothing else, consider hanging out at a mall.
4.
Find a way to make your own fun.
When parents drink or use drugs they may become irrational or abusive.
If you can quietly hang out in your room and read, listen to music with head phones, draw, day dream or surf the internet.
5.
Know that it's not your fault.
If your parents have a problem with alcohol or drugs, know it's their problem.
You could be absolutely gorgeous, a strait A student and the most popular person in school and your parents would still drink.
Your parents may say really cruel things to you like "I wish you had never been born" or "I can't stand you", but their drinking has nothing to do with who you are.
If your parents drink a lot or use drugs of any kind, this time of year can be overwhelming.
When I was growing up, both my parents drank a lot and the Christmas season was the very worst.
Below are some of the things that worked for me.
Today, as an adult, I get to choose how I spend my holiday.
I hope some of these tips will help you.
1.
No matter what, don't give up.
Some teenagers feel so sad and lonely this time of year that they commit suicide.
If you feel suicidal tell someone-a trusted teacher, a counselor at school, a relative or one of your friend's parents.
Pick someone who you trust and someone who's easy to talk to.
2.
If you're sad there can be many reasons.
For one thing, your parents drinking or drug use may increase this time of year and ignore you even more.
Then there are less hours of sunlight right now (December 21st is the shortest day of the year-the one with the least amount of daylight hours).
Some people, including me, experience a change in their body chemistry due to the lack of sunlight (this is known as SAD).
Also, as much as you look forward to a break from school, if you home isn't peaceful because your parents drink or use drugs-your body may be going through more stress which can also contribute to depression.
Some of the foods we eat at this time of year may taste great but they really are hard on your body.
If you can, try to avoid eating sweets.
The sugar can make you feel really good then really bad.
On top of all that, there are all these TV shows where everybody loves each other and the whole family gets along.
It can really make you feel bad about your own life.
So just know there are many things that make you feel bad at this time of year, but sooner or later this holiday season will end.
3.
Find safe places to go.
Even if it's really cold, maybe you can bundle up and take 2 or 3 long walks each day.
Is there a library where you can just sit and read a book or draw? Are there any clubs like boys or girls clubs that will be open? Do you have a relative or friend you can hang out with? If nothing else, consider hanging out at a mall.
4.
Find a way to make your own fun.
When parents drink or use drugs they may become irrational or abusive.
If you can quietly hang out in your room and read, listen to music with head phones, draw, day dream or surf the internet.
5.
Know that it's not your fault.
If your parents have a problem with alcohol or drugs, know it's their problem.
You could be absolutely gorgeous, a strait A student and the most popular person in school and your parents would still drink.
Your parents may say really cruel things to you like "I wish you had never been born" or "I can't stand you", but their drinking has nothing to do with who you are.
Source...