We have many questions about what is going on today. When will this pandemic end? Is it safe to go to school or to work? Need help. Don’t have insurance or money. Then visit this link:

https://drugfree.org/article/paying-for-addiction-treatment/embed/#?secret=Lw3bAQ3grd

Don’t give up. Ask questions. Define your problem and then ask questions again. Even if you don’t suffer with an addiction but live with someone who does voice your problems. You will be guided to the resource you need.

Worried? Tense?  Not to worry everyone has his or her moment. Just visit:

Teenagers want to know and to know. This coming Sunday, June 14th, 3PM Pacific Time a teenager will ask questions of me and how I came to write the book, For Teenagers Living With A Parent Who Abuses Alcohol/Drugs. You can get the radio station on your computer by going to http://www.ExpressYourselfTeenRadio.com.  Stay tuned.

Times are not easy. Some are having money problems. Others hate being quarantined at home. Professionals geared to working with the abused are worried about what may be happening in homes. We have had many posts on this blog on how to manage if you have to leave your home for a while. Here is another suggestion if you happen to be feeling tense. Visit the following web site and explore their tips.

https://www.healthline.com/health/emotion-focused-coping

Are 18 and 19 year olds teenagers? In number yes. In reality, they are young adults who can vote. Here is a group of adults that I heard is terrific. They even meet for coffee, of course these days on line. Look into it. https://www.myusara.com/events

Like to write? You may want to visit

https://app.etapestry.com/cart/SteamboatSpringsArtsCouncil/default/item.php?ref=810.0.504066079

Finding the isolation the Corona virus has placed us in difficult? You are not alone.  Reach out. Talk it over with someone who understands.   The National Alliance on Mental Illness has good suggestions. Telephone Help Line: 1-800-950-6264 or info@nami.org

No doubt you have heard all the do’s and don’t’s  to protect yourselves from getting the Corona virus. If you are in close quarters with your family be aware that those who suffer from addiction may drink or drug more.  If this is going on in your home and you feel you are in danger of getting hurt by any inappropriate acting out PHONE 911. They are very busy at the moment and if you can’t get through PHONE THE NATIONAL ABUSE HOT LINE 800 799 7233.

Don’t have a cell phone? Can’t get to your phone? Get in touch with someone on your computer. The National Abuse Hot Line does have a “chat” ability. If you have to leave the house keep these phone numbers in your pocket.  If your hometown has its own abuse number, a safe house you need to keep that number also in your pocket. Think where you could go if you need to leave the house. Do you have a face mask so that people will feel secure when you approach them for help? If not, remember to stand 6 feet away. Be prepared.

You may also want to read the following: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201906/how-stay-mentally-strong-during-crisis

If you yourself have addiction problems try to go to a meeting on line. You know what to do. Just google Alcoholics Anonymous, In The Rooms etc.

Be good to yourselves. Take care of yourselves.

I am going to start this blog by suggesting that you read https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/26/smarter-living/the-difference-between-worry-stress-and-anxiety.  It is well explained and will help you to deal with those emotions. Everyone has been worried about the Corona-virus. Will I get it? Should I go out with my friends?

Let’s look at some other things. Are your parent or parents or in some cases your sibling more into addiction because they are “worried” about the Corona-virus?  People who suffer from addiction handle their emotions of worry, anxiety, stress by drinking/drugging. A healthy person who does not suffer with addiction takes action. The healthy person follows the directions given by the physicians in charge of this pandemic. You know the advise: wash your hands, stay away from crowds, be aware of symptoms. This may be the time to join Ala-teen, In The Rooms, Adult Children of Alcoholics (over age 18) online. Go for it. Be good to yourselves.

Happy new year one and all.  Hopefully you had good holidays. Very often addicts use the holidays as an excuse to celebrate with drugs and alcohol. Ah yes, alcohol is a drug too. But lets talk about you. Planning any new year resolutions. Resolution is an easy word to understand but tough to carry out. So lets distinguish between wishes and what is realistic. Realistic is you because you can resolve to be in charge of yourself in a responsible way.

Parents aren’t there to help at all times? Then have a plan what to do at such a time. Is there an adult you admire and who is willing to be your friend? If not make it your business to join a great youth group such as the Boys and Girls Club. People there really care. Is there a church or synagogue youth group? Go for it. Remember you are worth it.

   A THANKSGIVING/PRE-CHRISTMAS/HANNUKAH  PRESENT

The holiday season is always an excuse for drinking and drugging. But then people who suffer from addiction will always find an excuse to satisfy their cravings. If you are in a home where the  addictive habits really burst forth during the holidays there are several preparations you and your siblings can do.

1. Make a list of relatives and friends whom you feel comfortable visiting. Phone them and ask if in an emergency you could stay with them.
2. Always let your parents know where you are spending the night. Don’t just tell them but also write the name, address and phone number down and safety pin the paper on your bed. If your parents have email send it to them as well.
3. If you have no place to go have the phone numbers of your local Alcoholics Anonymous, and other addiction help centers available in case you need to talk to someone.
4. If all else fails be prepared to phone 911.
5. Depending on your relationships with your mother and father, the holidays are sometimes a good time to discuss what worries you about your parents’ habits. It is important to talk to your parents in a positive and non-insulting way. For example instead of saying, “I hate it when –“ you might say, “I really worry when you —, or “My feelings hurt when you —“.

It may also be a good time if you are affiliated with a church or synagogue to talk to your clergyman about your personal concerns. Make some plans of your own where you can let off some steam. Is there a pool near your home? Bowling Alley? A gym? You get the idea. Get some activities going. To all my web site visitors a healthy, prosperous and peaceful holiday and new year. May you find the strength within you to make your wishes come true. Believe in yourself.