How To Deal With An Alcoholic Son

Do you have a son who has become lost in the world of alcoholism? No parent wants to see their child suffer, and when addiction enters the picture, they worry constantly. Do you need to know how to deal with an alcoholic son? Tampa Bay Recovery Center knows how to help you identify if your son needs help and what kind he needs. Together, we can assist in getting your child the treatment he needs so he can return to living a life full of promise for the future.

Signs That Your Son May Be an Alcoholic

How to deal with an alcoholic son begins with recognizing when he is in trouble. When it comes to their kids, it can be hard for parents to recognize when they may have crossed the line into addiction. While not every person exhibits the same signs of being an alcoholic, many of them are commonly displayed by most people. Signs to look out for that indicate your son may be an alcoholic include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hangovers
• Drinking as an attempt to “cure” a hangover
• Shakiness
• Poor coordination
• Bloodshot eyes 
• Red nose or face
• Slurred speech
• Blackouts while drinking

Many people use alcohol to try to address mental illness symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, this can backfire and increase their symptoms or create new ones related to mental health disorders.  

How Is Alcohol Abuse Treated?

Part of understanding how to deal with an alcoholic son involves knowing what type of treatment he needs. Alcohol abuse is recognized as a medical condition that requires professional treatment in order to overcome. The first thing a person entering recovery from alcoholism needs to do is enter a detox program. This type of program lasts from five to ten days and allows a person to release the toxins built up in their systems from long-term alcohol abuse. After completing detox, many people move into a residential program or an alcohol rehab in Tampa. They live in a facility for 30 days or more and receive 24/7 care.

Many people enter outpatient programs either after leaving a residential program or as an alternative to it. Outpatient programs allow people to attend treatment sessions during the day while still living at home. Several types of therapy are offered that help people understand where their addiction came from and how to keep from relapsing. 

Popular types of therapy used in the treatment of alcoholism include individual, group, and family therapy. As well, many facilities incorporate holistic therapy into a person’s treatment plan. This can include EMDR therapy, yoga, and meditation. The different types of outpatient care include regular outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs. 

Do’s and Don’ts of How To Deal With an Alcoholic Son

There are some basic things to do and not to do when knowing how to deal with an alcoholic son. Following these directives will help you to help your child, as well as take care of yourself. 

Do Learn What Treatment Is Available: When you talk to your son about getting treatment, it can help if you know his options and can explain them to him. Contact the insurance company that covers your son and ask about options. They can explain what sort of treatment they provide coverage for and help you line up options to present to your son.

Do Learn About Alcohol Addiction: Once alcoholism takes hold of a person, they cannot use willpower alone to become sober. Alcohol addiction affects the person’s brain, making them reliant on the substance in order to produce feelings of happiness or pleasure because the brain can no longer manufacture them on its own. This makes medical intervention necessary.

Do Not Cover Up For Your Son: Addicts often rely on loved ones to cover up their behaviors or offer excuses to others for their drinking and related behavior. While saving face may feel good at the moment, it only hurts your son in the long run. Let him know that he is responsible for how he acts and for getting help. 

Do Not Forget To Take Care of Yourself: You cannot let your own physical and mental health fall apart because you are focused on trying to save your son. Attend support groups like Al-Anon or individual therapy in order to learn not to lose yourself during this challenging part of your life. Also, make sure you eat healthy, exercise, and do not neglect personal interests or other family members.

Opening Up a Dialogue With Your Son

When you want to confront your son about his drinking, make sure he is sober and you are coming at it from a place of feeling calm. Let him know that you understand he is sick and doesn’t know how to help himself. Explain his treatment options and let him know you can help him get into a treatment program. 

When a loved one doesn’t feel attacked, they prove more likely to accept help. Remember that you may have to have a conversation more than once before your son finally listens to you. Include another loved one or two if you think it might help for him to see there are several people on his side who all unite in recognizing he needs medical help.

Information On How To Deal With An Alcoholic Son

Have you reached the point where your son needs professional intervention in order to address his alcoholism? That can be scary, but the good news is that Tampa Bay Recovery Center can help you bridge the gap with your son. Our programs include several types of outpatient care that get to the root of alcohol addiction and set the person free from it. We even offer virtual outpatient care for those who qualify.

Visit our admissions page now and see how easy it is to get started. Our friendly admissions staff knows how to put you at ease and answer any questions you have about learning how to deal with an alcoholic son.