Watching your son struggle with alcohol can be heart-wrenching. His drinking often impacts the whole family, and it can be difficult to weigh your own needs against his. However, with a bit of understanding and a compassionate approach, you can play a crucial role in his journey to recovery.
In this article, we’ll outline the ways alcohol affects your son’s behavior, signs he drinks too much, and steps you can take to help him on the road to recovery.
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that makes it extremely difficult to control your drinking habits. Recognizing that AUD is a disease is the first step towards helping your son. It’s not all about willpower; it’s about complex changes in the brain that require professional treatment.
What’s more, AUD is often accompanied by mental health issues, like depression or anxiety. These two conditions can feed off each other and can make reaching recovery even more difficult. Fortunately, there are proven treatment methods that can help with alcohol dependence. We’ll discuss them later in this article.
Signs Your Son Drinks Too Much
Knowing the signs of excessive drinking can help you identify whether your son has a problem. These signs may include:
- His tolerance is increasing.
- He drinks more or for longer than he anticipated.
- He neglects his job, school, or family obligations because of his drinking habits.
- He experiences withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety when he stops drinking.
- He continues to drink alcohol despite it causing relationship issues or harm to his health.
- He gives up or reduces social and work activities and hobbies.
- He drinks alcohol in dangerous situations, such as driving drunk or operating machinery.
How to Help an Alcoholic Son
Show Support
Your support can make a significant difference in your son’s recovery. Assure your son that you’re there for him, not to judge, but to support. Even if he doesn’t confide in you, this reassurance can provide the encouragement he needs to seek help.
Share Your Feelings
Find a time when your son is sober and feeling relaxed, and express your concerns without blame. Use “I” statements to describe how his drinking affects you and the family. It may feel difficult, but communicating this information can help him see the impact of his actions and the need for change.
Listen
Sometimes, listening can be more powerful than speaking. Give your son a chance to share his feelings and struggles. Understanding his perspective can guide you in how to best support him.
Encourage Treatment
Discuss treatment options without pressuring him. Offer to help him explore treatment facilities or support groups. While your son may not accept your advice right away, making the information accessible can prompt him to take the next step.
Be Patient
Keep in mind that recovery is not immediate. It often involves many challenges and setbacks. Patience is key. Celebrate small victories and stay hopeful about the future.
Take Care of Yourself
Supporting a family member with an AUD can be draining, so ensure you’re taking care of your own emotional and physical needs. Seeking support for yourself can also prepare you to be there for your son. If your son becomes violent while drinking, don’t be afraid to leave and seek help.
Learn About Treatment Options
Effective treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) varies, but generally includes a combination of detox, therapy, and ongoing support. Here’s a closer look at the options:
Detoxification
The first step in treating alcohol dependence involves entering a medically-supervised detox program, which can be found at most rehab centers. This helps manage withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and even life-threatening. Medical supervision ensures safety during this challenging phase.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
For many cases of Alcohol Use Disorders, inpatient or residential treatment programs offer structured care. These programs can last from 30 days to several months and provide an environment where your son can focus entirely on recovery without the distractions or triggers of daily life.
Outpatient Care & Sober Living
If your son has significant obligations that he cannot leave behind, outpatient treatment might be suitable. This allows him to receive treatment during the day and return home in the evenings. Sober living houses are another great option for people in recovery. They offer a safe, supportive living environment without the temptation of alcohol.
Therapy and Support Groups
Therapy is a great tool for helping manage behaviors related to alcohol use. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective, as it teaches individuals to identify and change the thought patterns that contribute to their drinking habits. Support groups, like Alcoholic Anonymous, can also be a critical resource in providing support and tools on the road to recovery.
Medication
Some medications can assist in reducing the desire to drink or manage withdrawal symptoms. Medications like Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram are commonly used and can be critical components of a treatment plan. Always talk to a medical doctor before beginning any treatment.
Find Help at The Recovery Academy
At The Recovery Academy, we understand the challenges faced by families dealing with alcohol use disorders. Our compassionate team is here to support both you and your son. Contact us to learn more about our recovery options, including our sober housing in St. Paul.
