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Questions for kids concerned about their parent's drinking or drug use.

Drections: The following questions are designed to help you decide whether your parent or caregiver has a problem with alcohol. Carefully read each statement and decide if your answer is "Yes" or "No." Please answer every question. If you have difficulty with a statement, then choose the response that is mostly right.

1. Do you cover up your real feelings by pretending you don't care about your parent's drinking?
  Yes
  No
2. Do you tell lies to cover up for your mom or dad's drinking or drug abuse or to hide what's happening in your home?
  Yes
  No
3. Do you stay out of the house as much as possible because you hate it there?
  Yes
  No
4. Are you afraid to upset your mom or dad for fear it will set off a drinking or drug use bout?
  Yes
  No
5. Are you afraid or embarrassed to bring your friends home?
  Yes
  No
6. Do you promise to get better grades or keep your room clean in exchange for a promise that the drinking will stop?
  Yes
  No
7. Do you feel that if your mom or dad loved you, she or he would stop drinking or using drugs?
  Yes
  No
8. Do you ever threaten or actually hurt yourself to scare your parents into saying "I'm sorry" or "I love you"?
  Yes
  No
9. Have you considered calling the police because of your mom or dad's abusive behavior?
  Yes
  No
10. Do you think your problems would be solved if the drinking or drug abuse stopped?
  Yes
  No

Please Note: This screening tool may be used to provide an initial assessment of possible substance abuse issues but is not intended to definitively diagnose any medical or emotional conditions. If you have concerns about the alcohol or drug use of someone you know, it is strongly advised that a doctor or substance abuse professional should be consulted regardless of the results of this screening tool. Please contact Phoenix House to get advice, a referral or if you have questions about this screening tool. Call 800-HELP-111 or send a confidential email to the Phoenix House team today. Click here.

Adapted from the Alanon's survey, Are You Troubled by Someone's Drinking, with permission from Alanon Family Group Headquarters, Inc

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