Parent of Alcoholic
I am in my late 50's. I have an adult son who is an alcoholic. He got laid off from work recently and started drinking heavily. We got him into rehab, and then outpatient therapy. He was 90 days sober, but had a relapse this weekend. He's very depressed about not being able to find work. He is in therapy, and takes meds for anxiety and depression, but said he drank because he just wanted to forget his problem. What can I do to support him better?
@helpfulLand1946
so so SO much of this I can relate to. It’s difficult and terrifying to watch your child go through this. Offers hugs.
I wish I had all the right answers.
I do know relapse is part of recovery. Never stop loving. Set healthy boundaries for yourself. Support.
Have you tried Al-Anon meetings?
@peachThinker662
Thanks for the suggestion. He is planning to attend AA meetings daily now. I was thinking about parent's therapy, but hadn't considered a group like Al-Anon. I will check it out!
@helpfulLand1946
Sadly, when we have someone close who is an alcoholic, a spouse or child etc. It is hard to help because until they want it. Our support and help are not the same as them seeing it themselves. We tend to believe reasons why too easily and do not push back. Some need a reality check to make them really want to be sober.
It is very frustrating for us as well that they do not see "forgetting" their problems does not solve or make problems go away only let it fester. Alcohol abuse is never solved... and the long-term issues many do not see until too late as well.
@helpfulLand1946 give him what he wants! sending love your way!
Hi 👋
Try to adress his problems together as a family... On his own he might take support from alcohol again and again... he needs a constant peer who asks his day and keeps check on how he feels everyday... I know its hard to give much time to each other in such fast life these days... I've been a addict 10 years now... Still finding my way out... I hope and wish best for him and the family... God is kind and so are parents 🤝🫂🙏❤️
@helpfulLand1946It sounds like you care deeply about your son and want to support him through a really tough time. Relapses can be part of the recovery process, and it doesn’t mean he’s failed or that your support isn’t helping. Being patient, listening without judgment, and encouraging him to continue therapy and follow his treatment plan can make a big difference. You’re doing your best, and that matters a lot.
@helpfulLand1946 Hello there, I saw your post about your son’s alcohol problems after getting laid off, and I am deeply sorry. I'm part of a team building free resources for parents getting their kids ready for college, specifically around how to actually talk about alcohol before move-in day instead of after something happens.
We put together a quick 2-minute quiz that shows you your "parenting archetype" on this and sends you a personalized guide. No cost, no email wall to see your result. Would love to hear what archetype you get.
Here's the link if you're curious: https://quiz.joingreyband.com/?utm_source=intern&utm_medium=warm_outreach&utm_campaign=parent_quiz_push&utm_content=rakhshan_rafiq