Recently my Dad left my Mum for another woman. Mum took it really hard and has started drinking heavily. It's got so bad that I've ended up doing most of the caring for my young brother and sister. Recently, my little sister fell over and then ran to me crying "Mummy". My Mum overheard, burst into tears - and then got drunk again. I've tried to talk to her about it, but she won't admit there's a problem. How can I get her back on track?

Susan advises
The first thing you need to take on board is that getting your Mum 'back on track' is not just your problem. It's asking far too much of you to be shouldering all this responsibility on your own.

Yes, it's understandable that your Mum has fallen to pieces - and alcohol seems an easy solution because it dulls the pain. But of course drink isn't the solution, it's just a whole new set of problems because she can't care for you and her other children - and now she's realised that, she's feeling so guilty that she's falling to pieces all over again.

But drinking isn't something your Mum can snap out of, nor it is something you can talk her out of. So although it's wonderful that you're trying to help, you need to get more support - for her and for you - from family, friends and professional organisations.

So get in touch with your grandparents or other relatives. Have a word with your teachers and fill them in on the problem. And speak to Drinkline for support and guidance on 0800 917 8282.

Bottom line: As your Mum works through the shock and grief, she will almost certainly recover. In the meantime, don't try to cope with this alone.