How to Live with an Alcoholic Parent

If you’re living with an alcoholic parent, you might find yourself feeling like the people around you don’t understand your situation. Many people believe that when it comes to alcoholism, if you’re not the alcoholic then there’s nothing to worry about. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. If you live with an alcoholic parent, it can be difficult to know how to handle their addiction while also taking care of yourself and your siblings.

If You Suspect Your Parent Has a Problem

If you think your parents may have a problem, then it’s time to get help. Alcoholism and addiction is incredibly difficult to deal with on your own, especially if they are still in denial. Take that first step of asking them if they have a problem and showing them what they’re doing is affecting you. If they are receptive, then take it one step further by guiding them towards alcohol rehab programs where they can receive treatment for their addiction.

Look after yourself

You can’t live a balanced life if you’re constantly worrying about what your parents are doing. It will always be in your best interest to prioritise your own health and well-being, even if it means detaching yourself from them for a while. If you’re really at your wit’s end, seek professional help and find some alcohol rehab programs that will get them back on track.

Speak to your parent about your concerns

If you’re worried about your parent and their drinking, speak to them about it. If they’re open about discussing it, try exploring whether they’d like help or if there are other issues that might be contributing to their behaviour. If your parents aren’t receptive at first, try again later or consider speaking to someone else (such as a family member or a professional) on your behalf.

Advice for young people with an alcoholic parent

It’s hard enough being a teenager, but living in a house where you suspect your parents are drinking too much alcohol and have developed an addiction can make everyday life even more difficult. You may feel as though you can’t talk about it with anyone or don’t know what to do. But getting professional help isn’t just for people living with alcoholic parents—it’s also for their children and those who have a close relationship with them.

Support your parent to seek professional addiction help

If you’re dealing with an addicted parent, you’ll need to get your parent into professional addiction help quickly at a rehab centre[1]  near you. Alcoholism is a disease and shouldn’t be left untreated; it will only cause more problems if it’s ignored. If your parents refuse to seek alcohol rehab treatment, don’t enable their addiction by helping them maintain their unhealthy habits.

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