Surviving an Alcoholic Home During the Holidays - 5 Final Tips For Teens (Part 3)

This is the final portion of a three part article.

If your parents drink a lot or use drugs of any kind, this time of year can be overwhelming.

When I was growing up, both my parents drank a lot and the Christmas season was the very worst.
Below are some of the things that worked for me.
Today, as an adult, I get to choose how I spend my holiday.

I hope some of these tips will help you.

1.
Set low expectations for the holidays and look for other things to make you happy. If your parents use alcohol and drugs they most likely are not paying attention to you.

They are not likely to buy you what you want for Christmas. Look for other things to make you happy. For me, I loved to watch it snow, I liked to sit by the fireplace and I learned how to bake.

Look for ways to make yourself happy without your parents being involved.

2.
Look for places you can get help. Most likely there are some on-line support groups for teens. Also, ask your school counselor about support groups in your area. Sometimes it helps to know you're not alone-that other kids are dealing with the same stuff as you. When you go to support groups, try to focus on what other people do to make their own life better. 3.
Keep in mind that someday you will be an adult and do everything you can to prepare for that time.

Someday you'll be able to live by yourself, have your own car, maybe have a family if you want, travel to Europe, or have a great job. Many people who came from homes like yours went on to have great lives. The world is big and awesome. Starting right now, become your own best friend. Take classes you enjoy, study for good grades, take care of you body and treat yourself with dignity even if no one else in your family does. 4.
Don't poke the beast.
Remember you are NEVER, EVER to blame yourself for your parents drinking or drug use.
However, it may helpful if you quite some behaviors you know will make them upset. When a parent is drunk or high or coming down from a high they are more likely to be quick to anger and more likely to hurt you with words or violence.

Things that are likely to get them upset may include loud music, dressing in a way they hate, and making a lot of noise. Sure you're angry and you'd like to scream at them but in the long run, what good will it do you.

How can you avoid them and make your own life better? Remember be your own best friend. 5.
Find a healthy way to express your anger.

You have a right to be angry and if you keep trying to pretend you're not angry you may get depressed.

A few ways to deal with your anger might include physical exercise like running, tennis or racketball. I like to beat the water when I swim.

You can also grab a pillow and slam it on your bed over and over until you feel better.

Some people like to write stuff down and then tear up what they write.
Other people make art.

What helps you deal with your anger?