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Is Your Parent an Alcoholic? Signs to Look For
Alcohol abuse affects more than just the person who is drinking, which is why alcoholism is often classified as a family disease. Alcohol addiction usually affects the entire family unit, and it is particularly hard on children of alcoholics.
As a child of someone who struggles with alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to identify the signs of the disease, regardless of age. This is because alcoholism is thought of as a progressive disease, typically beginning with milder symptoms before becoming more severe.
In the early stages, distinguishing the signs of alcohol addiction from moderate use can be difficult. Sometimes the signs are only apparent as the disease worsens and begins to affect multiple areas of family life.
Some of the earliest signs of alcoholism to look out for include:
- Increased irritability and mood swings
- Blackouts caused by drinking
- Creating excuses for drinking
- Drinking in place of other activities that used to be commonplace
- Drinking alone or drinking secretly in an effort to hide it
- Isolating from loved ones
- Feeling sick, unwell, or shaky when not drinking
- Pronounced increase in tolerance for drinking
It is crucial to recognize the signs of an alcoholic family member and seek help. Failing to do so could allow the disease to progress further and often into dangerous territory.
How to Deal with an Alcoholic Parent
It is impossible to force others to change, and it is not up to children of alcoholic parents to make them quit drinking. However, children must deal with parents who have an alcohol addiction, as ignoring the problem could lead to further fractured relationships and more complicated family problems. The best thing to do is bring attention to the matter by letting your parent know that there is a problem.
Alcoholism, like many diseases, has treatment options that can lead to improvements of the condition. If you are concerned about your parent’s drinking, there are many things to consider when taking the next step to find addiction treatment for your loved one.
How to Deal with an Alcoholic Mother
It is always difficult to talk to parents about excess drinking habits. It is more difficult for some people to speak with their father, but for others, it is more difficult to broach the subject with their mother. While there is no easy way to have this talk, the most important thing is that you make your mother aware that you think she has a drinking problem. Treatment will only become a reality after she admits that she does indeed have a problem.
There are many reasons why mothers turn to alcohol, and addressing the underlying causes might help them to see the problem. The most important thing, however, is to keep the conversation casual and supportive.
People usually get angry or defensive when being confronted about their drinking habits. However, they usually know they have a problem, but will not admit it. Mothers are no exception to this. The best thing to focus on is how to get your mother the treatment she needs.
How to Deal with an Alcoholic Father
Talking to fathers about their alcohol addiction is often more intimidating than talking to mothers. This is because of several factors, such as pride, ego, and in some cases, the fear of physical violence. But there are several things that you can do to minimize these fears and potentially get through to your father. These include:
- Try and speak with him when he is not drinking
- Offer positive support
- Speak in a kind, gentle, and empathetic way
- Refrain from villainizing
- Use non-blaming language
If you can have a one-on-one, face-to-face conversation with your father, it may be less intimidating and perhaps more impactful than staging a large intervention. Try to find some alone time with him, without interruptions or distractions. Also try suggesting treatment options, and if he is not ready, give it some time before suggesting again. If these attempts repeatedly fail, it may be necessary to stage an intervention.
Whichever way you decide to broach the subject, make sure you have treatment information on hand to make it easy for him to obtain help if he is receptive.
Children of Alcoholics: How are They Affected?
Children of alcoholics are affected in very similar, harmful ways. Some of these characteristics include:
- An atmosphere of fear and a sense of emotional chaos in the home
- Increased conflict within the home, such as arguing, physical violence, and/or fighting
- A lack of healthy communication and emotional support
- Behavioral problems
- Decreased sense of well-being
- A lack of structure and schedule
- A lack of a familial role model
- Poor decision making
- Lack of structure later in life
- Children may take on the parental role in a form of role reversal
- Community isolation and isolation from peers
- Feelings of shame and embarrassment
- Financial problems
How to Help an Alcoholic Parent if You Don’t Live at Home
It is difficult enough to talk to a parent about their drinking problem, and the situation is sometimes even more difficult if you do not live in the same home as the parent. It can be hard to stay in touch when you know that alcohol is leading to problems inside and outside their home, but it is crucial that you keep in touch even more if you want to help them.
While you cannot force your parent to stop drinking, some things you can do to help an alcoholic parent if you do not live at home include:
- Gathering up courage and opening a dialogue
- Finding the right time to talk
- Framing concerns as “I” statements
- Emphasizing that you love your parent and are concerned about them
- Refraining from accusations
- Using concrete examples
Your parent may not want to talk about it, but doing so may be the difference between them seeking treatment and continuing down a path of despair.
How to Maintain a Relationship with an Alcoholic Parent
Many adult children of alcoholics find it difficult to stay close with their parents, but making an extra effort to keep in touch could help them significantly.
Maintaining a relationship could be as simple as calling or texting your parent to let them know they are in your thoughts. If you feel safe being around them, make plans to do things together that do not involve alcohol. Taking your parent’s mind off alcohol can help them to feel more clear-headed and can potentially help with a decision to seek treatment and recovery.
Make sure you stay honest with your parent and be careful not to enable them. Unconditional love and support involves not overlooking an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
How to Help an Alcoholic Parent: Best Treatment Options
If your parent recognizes that they have an alcohol problem, and are ready to begin the road to recovery, there are many treatment facilities and treatment programs available.
Some proven recovery options include:
- 12-step programs (such as Alcoholics Anonymous)
- Individual therapy
- Support groups
- Group counselling
- Dual diagnosis treatment (for concurrent mental health disorders)
- Outpatient treatment
- Inpatient treatment
- Al-Anon Family Groups
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Questions About Treatment?
If you have any questions about treatment centers and other treatment options, speak with your local healthcare provider for recommendations or referrals to local area programs. You can also reach out to Addiction Group with any treatment-related questions.
