"My dad is an alcoholic and my mom smokes. They fight constantly! Most of the stress goes on my brother, sister, and me. They constantly want us to choose sides and then one of them ends up getting mad. I'm mostly worried about my sister and the effect on her. What should I do? "

Your concern for your family is understandable and well-founded! I'm sure you're feeling alone right now, but there are people and groups out there you can lean on during this difficult time. Living in a home with an alcoholic, or drug-using parent is very stressful, and can be potentially harmful to your mental health and well-being over the long-term. I recommend you, and your siblings, find a trusted adult you can talk to and confide in, like an aunt, uncle, or grandparent. Find someone who can listen to you and help. Or perhaps there's someone like a guidance counselor, coach, or teacher you could talk to about this.

It would be even better if you were able to speak to a professional or therapist especially one who understands alcoholism and is trained in helping families deal with this kind of stuff. They can help you deal with the stress of living in an alcoholic home, and hopefully help your parents get the help the need too.

Lastly, you can't control what your parent does about his or her problem, but you can get help for yourself.

For more information about parents who use drugs, visit the Help section.