Being a parent doesn’t exempt people from struggling with addiction. In fact, Reuters reported that one in ten children has a parent that struggles with alcohol use. These children often find themselves in difficult positions as they age and understand their parent’s addiction and reliance on alcohol. Our team at Tennessee Wellness Center is here to explain what actions you can take to encourage your parent to seek treatment for their alcohol addiction.
Recognizing Your Parent’s Alcohol Addiction
You may first question whether your parent’s alcohol use warrants treatment or is truly an addiction.
Some things to consider include:
Does your parent drink alcohol daily?
Have you noticed your parent sneaking alcoholic drinks?
Do they drink during the day– not just in the evening?
Have they become more isolated?
Are they becoming more irritable or experiencing mood swings?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, your parent may suffer from alcohol addiction. However, your parent may also struggle with high-functioning alcoholism. For more information about that type of alcoholism, click here.
Getting Your Parent The Help They Need
It’s important to know that you cannot force someone who is not open to the idea to seek treatment. If your parent does not get help, do not blame yourself. Know that their addiction is not your burden to bear. However, there are things you can do to start the conversation and encourage them to get treatment.
One of the best things you can do is have an open conversation with your parent. In this conversation, share what you’ve noticed about their drinking habits and your concern for their health. Do not place blame on them during the conversation, as this can cause them to become defensive and unwilling to listen to what you share. You may also have other family members present to show a united effort. This is often referred to as an intervention.
Being the child of a parent with alcoholism can be emotionally taxing. You may feel helpless if you’ve tried speaking with your parent about their drinking habits and treatment options with no success. It’s important to prioritize taking care of yourself and remember that your parent’s choices are not a reflection of you.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Knoxville
Are you looking to present your parent with treatment options for their alcohol use? Inform them about our services here at Tennessee Wellness Center! Our programs aim to make recovery as easy as possible while providing real, life-changing treatment. Learn more about our offerings today and get more information during a consultation with our team; click here or call (865) 205-2770.