While your parent is getting help, he or she may ask you to come to meetings with them. You should go. It takes time for your parent to recover. And keep in mind that sometimes people who have stopped drinking or using drugs slip back and start using or drinking again. This is called relapse , and while it is very discouraging, it doesn't mean they won't get well.
Experts consider relapse a normal part of the getting well process.
If your mom or dad has a drinking or drug problem, you may be coming up against some challenges that your friends may not have to deal with. You don't know how you will be able to study for your big test because when you called home earlier to check, your step-mom was already drunk, so that means your parents will be having a huge fight, and you will have to make dinner, and get everyone off to bed again. You make a new friend, but know that as soon as his mother finds out your dad smokes marijuana, he won't be allowed to hang out with you anymore. You really want to audition for a play at a local theater company, but you know that you can't count on your dad to remember to pick you up after rehearsals, or be sober enough to drive you home safely. You started dating this guy, who is really great, but the problem is, he likes to drink, just like your dad, and it makes you a little uncomfortable.