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To Sam

I think my liking for alcohol has gone way too far!

Im 14 years old currently and in the last summer holidays i got drunk for the first time with one of my friends. From then on ive had stashes in my room for when i bored or sad or im just in the mood for a drink. But ive been passing it on to my friends, now they all have stashes or they get drunk daily and whenever they come over they seem to think its okay to rummage through my mothers drinks cabinet without permission. A few months ago me and my friends got excluded (basically suspended) for 3 days for bringing multiple bottles of alcohol into school (stupid i know....) and we got caught. Thats when i decided i needed to stop being so attached to alcohol in a way and i didnt drink anything for a few days. And then i got ill because my body was dehydrating and was off school for another additional week or so. But then recently again ive started bringing bottles upstairs. Bottles of beers, wines and even spirits. And i think i need to stop. And im not saying im addicted but its hard to not have a small drink every now and then...

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Ask Sam

Sam

Hi there,

Drinking alcohol can become a habit, especially when you’re drinking to cope with feelings. Relying on drinking as a way to cope might mean it’s harder to give up when you want to. Feeling like you need to drink or being unwell on days that you don’t drink could mean you’re becoming dependent or addicted to alcohol.

Hiding alcohol, drinking secretly, getting into trouble because of drinking could be signs that drinking is becoming a problem for you. If you’re worried about how drinking alcohol is affecting your health, your moods or how you’re behaving, it’s important to get some support.

You could talk to an adult you trust like a parent or carer or to a counsellor at Childline. Frank also has lots of information about drinking and how to get help if you’re concerned about yourself or someone else

Lots of adults choose to drink alcohol but it’s illegal for someone to sell you alcohol if you’re under the age of 18. Alcohol can affect your physical and mental health, and drinking a lot of alcohol can be dangerous and even life threatening.

Realising that you’re uncomfortable with how often you think about alcohol means that you can ask for help before things get worse. Help and support are available from your doctor and local alcohol services. You can also get help and support from other young people on Childline’s message boards.

Thanks for your letter.

Take care,

Sam

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