Growing up with alcoholism can be frightening, stressful, and just plain awful.  It's worse if both parents are alcoholics.  If there is mental, emotional, and physical abuse "mixed-in" with the alcoholism, it only makes life worse.  Alcoholism takes a toll on you mentally, emotionally, and physically.  The good news is that you have the POWER to make a change.  You can do this by seeking help.  Reach out to someone, and they will reach back!

When a parent or both parents drink, life seems to spin out of control.  The alcoholic parent can lash out with a punch or even worse, hurtful words.  Words HIT HARDER than a punch to the face.  These scars run deep and can be lasting unlike a bruised cheek or split lip that will eventually heal and may not leave a physical scar.

Alcoholism:  is drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities.  Read more at Google Health.

It's not your fault that one or both of your parents are alcoholics.  It's considered a disease or DIS-EASE by many experts.  Your mom or dad has a choice.  They can stay an alcoholic or get help.  You may feel that you don't have a choice, but you do.  You can tell a close friend, family member, or teacher about what is going on within your family.  This may not be easy at first for many reasons:  you're embarrassed, you feel it's your fault, you're afraid you'll be taken away from your family, or you're afraid of the repercussions that will happen.  The KEY and GOAL is to get your parent(s) help and to help you as well.

It's said that most children would rather be from a broken home than be in one.  Being in a dysfunctional family seems to be the norm today.  Being from a family of alcoholics is not that uncommon either.  Remember, everyone (including your mom or dad) makes choices; therefore, they are RESPONSIBLE for the choices in their life.

Organizations That Can Help You

1. Alcoholics Anonymous.  This organization was formed in 1935 by Bill Wilson, a man that ruined a promising career with alcohol and Dr. Bob Smith, a member of the Oxford Group. 
2. Al-Anon / Alateen.  Organization that offers 'strength and hope" to those who are dealing with family or friends that are alcoholics.
3. WebMD.  5 Alcoholic Types in Alcoholism.
   

If you're a teen living with alcoholism, get help.  Did you know that "one-third of Alateen members received some kind of medical, emotional, or spiritual care BEFORE coming to Alateen?  Did you know that most new Alateen members are most like to say treatment, counseling, or therapy was important BEFORE attending Alateen? (statistics are from Alateen's website).

You are important.  It's up to you to TAKE CARE of you!  Your mom or dad made the decision to be an alcoholic and they can make the decision to stop.  There's no reason that you 1) have to follow in their footsteps, 2) blame yourself, and 3) suffer any longer.  Remember, it's NOT your fault.  You are loved and important.  Make the decision to receive counseling/therapy.  There's nothing wrong with this.  If you do, you'll be able to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life!