Helping an Alcoholic Son
July 25, 2023While watching any loved one grapple with addiction can be challenging, the situation becomes even more dire when the problem affects your child. As a parent, you want your son to escape the cycle of substance abuse and lead a healthier, fulfilling life. However, the path to recovery isn’t straight or smooth. What are some practical things you can do to support your son in his battle with alcohol abuse?
1. Avoid Enabling
Parents instinctively want to shield their children from harm, but when dealing with addiction, these well-intentioned efforts can inadvertently reinforce damaging behavior. For example, enabling may come in forms like covering up for your son’s mistakes or shielding him from the consequences of his actions. While it may seem like you’re helping, enabling perpetuates the addiction by allowing your son’s self-destructive behavior to continue without any repercussions.
2. Don’t Try to Go It Alone
Addiction’s ripple effect on family members is one of the most insidious things about the disease. Trying to cope without support can quickly become overwhelming. You may have tried bringing up the topic of substance use treatment with your son before, only to encounter a wall of denial. Hiring an experienced substance abuse interventionist can bring about a pivotal change. These professionals are well-versed in handling the complexities of addiction, and their guidance can be invaluable. They facilitate a structured, conflict-free conversation where family and friends can express their concern and love, encouraging your son to get help.
3. Research Treatment Centers
Preparation is vital with any intervention. Once your son agrees to get help, it’s crucial to act quickly and decisively. Lining up a suitable rehab center for immediate admission can make all the difference. Research different facilities and the amenities they offer to find the best fit for your son. Consider factors such as treatment methodologies, location, aftercare programs and success rate. Remember, the primary goal is to choose a center where your son feels comfortable and is most likely to succeed in his sobriety journey.
Let Us Help You Turn Your Son’s Life Around
Though facing addiction is daunting, recovery is possible. It requires strength, patience and consistent effort, but with professional support and resources, your son can overcome his challenges and lead a healthier life. At Whitman Recovery Service, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, getting your family on a path to healing together. We have a 98% success rate and have coordinated thousands of interventions nationwide. To learn more about what we can do for you, contact us today.