Content
Just because your parent is unwilling or unable to change does not mean that you cannot dramatically improve your own life, emotional well-being, and physical health. There are many resources and support groups out there that specialize in helping the children and other family members of alcoholics. Alcohol use disorders, more commonly known as alcoholism, affect approximately 17.6 million Americans. Alcohol is by far the most commonly abused substance in the United States. Alcoholism can severely and negatively impact an individual’s personal, professional, social, and financial life.
Usually, a person who is drinking heavily will feel a lot of shame and guilt around their habits, but will not be ready to admit it or give it up. You want to avoid sounding like you are preaching, threatening or demoralizing someone, as this will not be received well during an active alcohol addiction. It can be hard to understand why alcoholics can’t stop drinking without properly educating yourself on what alcohol addiction looks like. Show them that you are proud of them and will support them throughout their journey, including getting treatment or attending meetings and support groups. This usually also means educating yourself on their addiction and getting support for yourself as an impacted loved one. The moment it seems like you no longer care about a loved one’s recovery, they will pick up on it.
Lifestyle and home remedies
You may also want advice from a mental health professional who understands the complexities of addiction. Someone with AUD may be resistant to seeking professional help. However, rehabilitation facilities are incredibly important for people suffering from alcohol addiction.
How do you deal with someone who drank too much?
Give Them Food. Stopping alcohol consumption and giving someone food and water is the next step in ensuring they are okay. Do not let them drink any more alcohol, which will exacerbate the situation. If you want to come off as less aggressive, consider taking the person to get something to eat.
After your loved one seeks professional help, they will need additional support after they leave the rehabilitation facility. Your loved one may attend peer support groups and therapy sessions for their AUD. They may need to stop spending time with people or at events where alcohol use is encouraged. Before you talk to your loved one, compile a list of AUD rehab programs in your area. Together, you and your loved one can research and decide which one to attend. Outside of seeking help for codependency, you can take multiple steps to help your loved one recognize their drinking problem and seek professional treatment.
Helping a teen who’s abusing alcohol
Google “Alcoholics Anonymous + your city” to find their contact information. That’s where you’ll also find a list of local meetings. But sometimes the best resource for the still-drinking alcoholic is a sober person from their own life. An old drinking buddy who found recovery or a sober aunt or uncle they 5 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Sober Living House admire and respect can sometimes accomplish in an hour what you’ve been trying to do for years. Lean on those in your life who understand the disease of alcoholism and seek their guidance. Even if you’re not enabling the alcoholic in your life, there’s a good chance other friends or family members are.
Stop viewing the situation personally, and accept that your spouse may not be in control of their actions. You can also find groups of folks who are in the same situation as you are. Organizations like Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, and Alateen have networks all over the country and online to support those dealing with a loved one’s heavy drinking. Sobriety and recovery will seem a lot less daunting if they have a starting point. Be ready to direct them to a treatment program you think may be a good fit or to online resources. There is a wealth of information about recovery, and it can be overwhelming to decide where to start in the early stages of sobriety.
