Parents are acaholics and drug addicts

[Melia Hanson]

Is there a way to help my parents with thier drug and alcohol addictions?  Having a hard time knowing they care more for alcohol and drugs than their children.  Need to get mother serious help.  I think the alcohol has seriosly affected her brain.

[tom to Melia]

the first thing you need to do is arm yourself with knowledge. You need to understand your parents' disease, know how they think and what motivates them. For your own sake, you need to learn the unfortunate truth about how much influence you can realistically expect to have over the course of their disease. You may not like what you learn, but learn it you must. Contact Alanon (Alchoholics Anonomous for the families of alchoholics). My personal recommendation is that you first get hold of "the big book," the core book of AA. It is facinating reading in any case, and it will give you a window into the world of the alchoholic. It will both frighten and inspire you. This book and this group will give you the best chance you'll ever have to affect your parents' lives for the better without destroying your own. Good reading and good luck.

[FROM JO TO KIM]

Oh sweetie my heart hurts for you.I was that mom and i will tell you it does affect her mind. It doesnt mean she doenst love you.she just doesnt love herself..
My kids went to alateen and alanon...try those there should be one in your area.there are alot of them.
please know there is hope....i am clean and my kids have thier mom but it is a long road and i will pray for you. will you please keep me updated? you will get alot of support here. believe me
good luck hon

[Mike P. to Ken]

As hard as it is - if the children are in grave/serious danger - contact CPS, Child Protective Services. I'd like to think that the kids will survive without outside intervention. But many times it just doesn't work that way. Take care of them first - get them safe and then work on the parents. Just my take. Mike P.