Dear Queenie,
I’ve tried to get my mother to stop drinking because she spends most of her money on her drinks but she gets mad and tells me I can’t tell her how to spend her money.
I try to look after my little brothers and sisters and I make some money babysitting but I can’t do it all myself.
Queenie, should I keep talking to my mother or just leave her alone? And where can I get some help?—Drunk’s teenage daughter
Dear Daughter,
There is nothing you can do about your mother’s drinking until she is willing to admit that it is a problem. However, you can get some help for yourself from Al-Anon and/or Alateen (al-anon.org or al-anon.alateen.org).
You should also talk to an adult you trust and ask them to help you get in touch with your local social services to help you get proper care for yourself and your younger siblings.
