Why does my parent or carer use drugs?
Lots of people drink alcohol or misuse illegal drugs or
medicines to change the way they feel. Some people have a problem
with drink or drugs which means
- They can't stop using drink or drugs.
- They act in a strange or scary way when they have used alcohol
or drugs.
- They need looking after when they use alcohol or drugs.
If you live in a home where drinking or drug use is a secret
from people outside the home, it can feel like:
- You don't know what's going on.
- You don't know who to trust.
- You feel unsure or confused about what's happening.
Your family might try and keep it all a secret because:
- People can be scared about what will happen if they look
for help.
- People in the family don't always keep their promises or do
what they say they will do.
- It can feel easier to pretend everything is okay.
You might find it helpful to talk to an adult about what's going
on. If you want to be sure that the person you talk to will not
tell anyone else, then you can talk to a helpline like ChildLine -
you don't have to give them your name. If you are not in danger,
youth workers, connexions workers or counsellors can usually keep
what you say private. Social Workers can get help for your whole
family. When your parent or carers drink or drug use is not a
secret anymore it won't be so hard or scary to talk about it.
Help and support for young carers