Helping an Alcoholic Parent
Dealing with addiction is a challenging topic, especially when it involves your parents. You might feel that, as their child, it’s not your place to interfere in their personal choices. However, you may also find yourself overwhelmed and struggling to cope. It’s heartbreaking to witness an alcoholic parent’s health and mental well-being decline as the effects of alcoholism take hold.
Recognizing Alcoholism
Identifying an alcoholic parent can be difficult. Many individuals successfully maintain jobs, relationships, and active lifestyles, making them appear fine on the surface most of the time.
However, when you live under the same roof, you may notice behaviors that are less visible to others. Even if you’ve dealt with this situation for years, you might sometimes doubt the validity of your feelings.
Consider the following questions to help you recognize alcoholic behaviors in your parent:
- Do they prioritize alcohol over family activities?
- Do they frequently miss work or daily responsibilities due to hangovers or drinking?
- Do they have an unusually high tolerance for alcohol?
- Do they drink at odd hours?
- Do they become defensive or angry when questioned about their drinking?
- Do they engage in risky or dangerous behaviors?
- Do they express guilt or shame about their alcohol use?
- Do they hide or lie about their drinking habits?
- Do they exhibit uncontrolled behavior when intoxicated?
- Are they unable to stop drinking once they start?
Physical signs that may indicate an alcoholic parent include bloodshot eyes, a flushed complexion or spider veins, slurred speech, digestive problems, and muscle weakness. Alcohol can also impact their mental health, leading to symptoms like depression, anxiety, memory loss, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function.
Confronting the Issue
Starting a conversation about this topic will be one of the hardest things you’ll do. It’s an uncomfortable discussion that could escalate if not approached with care. How can you encourage your parent to seek treatment without creating conflict?
Conducting an intervention requires sensitivity. Your goal is to motivate your loved one to seek help, but it’s crucial to understand that change can only happen when they are ready. Express your concern and assure them of your support.
Their willingness to embark on this journey doesn’t guarantee they won’t face setbacks; it simply means they are open to making an effort.
Useful Resources
There are numerous resources available, including treatment centers, addiction specialists, support groups, medical professionals, and Alcoholics Anonymous. Psychiatrists specializing in alcohol use disorders can also be invaluable. Above all, recovery thrives on the love, support, and understanding of family, as the journey can be long and challenging.
Recovery requires significant effort, and your parent cannot undertake this process alone. They need to know you’re there to support them through both successes and challenges.
If you have concerns about how to assist your alcoholic parent, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Call us today at +1 (877) 978 – 6747 or fill out our contact form for more information about our recovery programs.
