Originally Posted by Ap052183

I really relate to your situation. My dad is an addict and at about your age is really when I started acknowledging how it affected me. The thing many people don't understand is that even though the addict may not be strung out in the street or broke and drunk 24/7 some of the worst effects of addiction are minor. The personality changes, the emotional instability, the shame of feeling you are different, and for me the shame of feeling like I didn't have a strong father to protect and nurture me. I'm glad you're in therapy, I started at your age too. I really second alanon and read as many books on addiction as you can. Adult child of alcoholics meetings might help too. Stay active here. Forums like this are great for support when you feel alone.