I am 18 years old and currently a freshman in ...

Dear Onlyjustbegun,

No child should suffer the sins of the father.  Be aware that alcholism has a genetic componet, avoid alcohol for your own sake.  Your father will have to come to grips with his own demons.  If your fathers situation is affecting your education then you need to move on.  Always love your father, but you don't have to like his illness.  This does not need to have any long term affects on you or your education if you don't allow it too.  Take care of your self and take advantage of your education.  Dad will have to take care of himself, get some help, and get it together for himself--YOU CAN NOT DO THIS FOR HIM!!!  I wish you well and pray for you continued success.

Here is the link to an outstanding support group ( al-anon) that is setup to help teens and family members deal with a family members drinking problems.

http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/ 

I truly wish you the best. Good luck. 

Dear OJB,

Living with alcoholism can easily lead to negative long-term effects for yourself and all other family members. You are wise to be concerned. As suggested, Al-Anon is a tremendous resource, and I would encourage you to investigate a meeting or two just for the insights they could bring. Also, you may meet others there in situations similar to your own. The network of knowledge and support has been critical to my own success as the mother of an alcoholic. 

OJB, you can not change life at home, and I sense that you already know this. You can, however, change your response to it.

Congratulations on your studies, and best wishes in both regards. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Peace,
Granny

This is a very difficult situation of course and there is no reason why you should suffer because of your father's doing. First of all if you can afford it I would move out. This will be an important step in defining the problem as your father's and not your own.

The next step will be getting your father some help. I'm sure you've tried to help him in the past but don't give up. If you let him continue he will bring his life to an end, if not physically then mentally. Try to get him to realize that this way of life makes him pay a terrible price. It may take a long time but keep at it and hopefully he'll understand where you're coming from. 

I hope you manage to help him and yourself. 

This is one of the well known books that was written to help children of alcoholic parents. You're in a tough situation..reading this might help..take a look at the reviews on amazon as well..

http://www.amazon.com/Codependent-No-More-Controlling-Yourself/dp/0894864025/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200873567&sr=8-2