Last Updated:
November 7th, 2024
Understanding the signs of alcohol addiction
Alcoholism is a complex condition that affects individuals of all ages, often in ways that are difficult to recognise at first. While it may seem like something that only impacts someone of a certain age, the truth is that alcohol dependence can develop at any stage in life, affecting teens and adults alike.
Understanding the signs and symptoms can help loved ones spot when their son or daughter may need support.
Recognising alcoholism in your teen child
For teens, alcohol dependence often begins with experimentation that quickly becomes a larger part of their social life.
As a parent, you might notice your teen coming home late from parties, smelling of alcohol or perhaps they’re acting unusually defensive when asked where they’ve been.
Maybe there’s that one instance when they sneak alcohol into the house and when confronted, they laugh it off as harmless fun. Or perhaps they suddenly begin spending time with a new group of friends, and their once-enthusiastic attitude towards school, sports, or hobbies dwindles.
Academic performance may start to drop, and your previously outgoing teen may become more irritable or withdrawn.
For some parents, this shift in behaviour is gradual, making it hard to pinpoint the exact moment when casual drinking turns into a deeper issue.
Recognising alcoholism in your adult child
When it comes to adults, the signs may be less obvious but just as concerning. Detecting alcoholism in your adult child can be more challenging, especially if you no longer live with them. Without seeing their day-to-day life, it’s harder to recognise how often they’re drinking or the extent to which alcohol is affecting their routine.
Maybe there was a family gathering where they had too much to drink and behaved out of character, becoming unusually aggressive or emotional.
Perhaps they’ve started cancelling plans or making excuses to avoid events, leaving you to wonder if something deeper is going on.
You may hear them joke about drinking to cope with stress or notice that they’re increasingly relying on alcohol to “get through the day.”
Often, parents of adult children feel blindsided because the warning signs weren’t as visible as they might have been had they still lived under the same roof.
How to calmly confront your child about their relationship with alcohol
If you’ve started to have suspicions about your teen’s or adult child’s relationship with alcohol, it’s understandable to feel concerned. Approaching the topic might feel daunting but opening the conversation with compassion is key to avoiding defensiveness and ensuring that they feel supported. This conversation, whether with a teen or an adult, needs to be handled delicately, with understanding and care.
Choosing the right time and place
First, pick a calm moment, free of distractions. Avoid times when emotions are running high or alcohol is present. For teens, it could be a quiet evening at home; for adults, a casual coffee meet-up works. The goal is to ensure they feel safe and open to talk, without feeling pressured.
How to open the conversation
Begin by expressing concern, not accusations. A gentle opener like, “I’ve noticed some changes, and I’m worried about how you’ve been feeling,” can set a supportive tone.
Make sure to focus on their emotional and physical well-being rather than directly mentioning alcohol. This allows the conversation to flow naturally and avoids making them feel attacked, whether they’re a teen needing guidance or an adult seeking support.
Make sure you’re actually listening
When they start to share, listening is key. Resist the urge to jump in with advice. Ask open-ended questions like, “How do you feel about your drinking?” and let them speak without interruption. Your support should feel unconditional, and phrases like, “I’m here for you, no matter what,” help them feel less alone and more willing to open up.
Having this conversation can be immensely beneficial for both your child and yourself. Sometimes, a simple, concerned discussion may be enough for your child to recognise there’s a problem and reassess their relationship with alcohol. It also gives you a clearer understanding of their situation.
If things turn out to be worse than you initially thought or if the conversation leads to a negative reaction, it could help you decide if an intervention is the next necessary step.
What is an alcohol addiction intervention?
When your child is battling alcohol addiction, an intervention can be a powerful way to address the issue and encourage treatment. An intervention is a structured conversation with the goal of offering help. For adults, this may include guiding them toward rehab, therapy or other forms of professional support.
For teens, interventions require a different approach. Since most rehab centres can’t treat those under 18, you may need to look into local support services or specialised youth programmes. However, you can still reach out to rehab centres, like Oasis Runcorn, for guidance on the best steps to take.
When is the right time for an alcohol intervention?
The right time for an alcohol intervention is when you start seeing the impact drinking is having on your loved one’s health, relationships or safety. If their wellbeing seems to be suffering or if their behaviour is causing strain on the family or friendships, it may be a sign that an intervention is needed.
It can also be considered when conversations about their drinking haven’t gotten through or if they’ve admitted there’s an issue but are struggling to stop on their own. An intervention can offer a caring and supportive way to encourage them toward the help they need.
Advice on how to hold an alcohol intervention
If you’ve decided to hold an alcohol intervention for your child, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
You can start by gathering close family members and friends who can provide support and help to plan what you’ll say. Remember, the focus is on your concerns and the consequences of your child’s continued alcohol use.
During the intervention, keep the tone loving and caring, emphasising your desire to help them get better. One of the best ways you can do this is to have the end goal of them attending alcohol addiction treatment. You should present treatment options, meaning prior research is key.
If your child is resistant, remain patient and let them know the offer for support still stands. In the case of adults, continued follow-up and professional guidance are key, while teens may require ongoing conversations and involvement from specialised services.
My child has agreed to get alcohol addiction help – where can I go?
It’s a huge step that your child has agreed to seek help for their alcohol addiction, and Oasis Runcorn is here to offer the support they need. At Oasis Runcorn, our alcohol addiction programme begins with a medically supervised detox to help your child safely manage withdrawal symptoms. With 24/7 support from our dedicated staff, they’ll receive the care necessary during this crucial stage.
Once detox is complete, the focus shifts to therapy, which includes one-on-one counselling, group sessions and holistic approaches like art and yoga. These therapies aim to address the root causes of addiction, providing your child with the tools to stay sober in the long run.
We also place a strong emphasis on aftercare, ensuring that once the initial treatment ends, your child continues to receive support through ongoing counselling and relapse prevention strategies. This comprehensive approach gives them the best chance at a full and lasting recovery.
Reach out to us today for more information and how your son or daughter can regain their life from alcohol addiction.
