Last Updated:
November 7th, 2024
Understanding alcohol addiction
Alcoholism is a condition where someone finds it difficult to control their drinking. It’s not just about drinking too much at once but also about the need to drink regularly, even when it’s causing problems in life. People with alcoholism often rely on alcohol to cope with stress, sadness or difficult situations, and it becomes a habit that’s hard to break.
The signs of alcohol dependency in parents
Living with a parent who may have a problem with alcohol can be confusing and really tough. You might feel like something isn’t right, but it’s hard to put your finger on exactly what’s going on. Maybe you’ve noticed changes in how they act or how they handle everyday life, and it’s leaving you worried. It’s important to know that you’re not alone in feeling this way, as many people find themselves in similar situations.
Alcohol dependency can affect parents in different ways, and spotting the signs can be the first step toward getting them the help they need. Below are some of the common things to look out for if you think your parent might be struggling.
Drinking to cope with feelings
You might notice your parent turning to alcohol when they are stressed, upset or overwhelmed. For example, after a difficult day, they may reach for a drink instead of talking about their feelings or finding healthier ways to relax.
Changes in behaviour
Alcoholism can change how a person acts. They might become more distant, moody or even angry when they drink, and these changes in personality can feel confusing and hurtful. For instance, if your parent usually laughs and jokes with you but becomes withdrawn or irritable after drinking, this could be a sign of alcohol dependency.
Neglecting responsibilities
When alcohol becomes a priority, other responsibilities often fall to the side. This might mean your parent forgets or ignores important family events, work or even things like paying bills or taking care of household chores. Maybe they promised to attend your school event but on the day, they’re too hungover or distracted to show up.
Drinking in secret or lying about it
A parent with alcohol dependency may try to hide how much they are drinking. They might tell you they’ve only had one drink when you can tell they’ve had more. You may also find hidden bottles or cans around the house, suggesting they’re drinking more than they admit.
Health problems or complaints
Alcohol can cause serious health issues over time, but sometimes, these symptoms show up before someone admits they have a problem. Your parent might complain of constant headaches and stomach problems or start looking more tired and run-down than usual.
Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
If your parent hasn’t had a drink for a while, they may become anxious, shaky or irritable. These are signs that their body has become dependent on alcohol. For example, if your parent seems jittery in the morning and only calms down after having a drink, this could indicate withdrawal symptoms.
It’s important to remember that even if your parent doesn’t show all of these signs, they could still be struggling with alcohol dependency.
Is it my fault that my parent is an alcoholic?
If your parent is struggling with alcohol, it’s important to know that it is not your fault. Alcoholism can affect anyone, and it’s never caused by something you did or didn’t do. Sometimes, adults go through tough situations, perhaps things like money problems, stress at work or even challenges in relationships. You might not know all of what’s going on because your parent may try to protect you from it.
Many people turn to alcohol as a way to deal with these difficulties. This is called a coping mechanism, and it’s something people do to help themselves feel better when life is hard. But while alcohol might make someone feel better for a short time, it’s only a temporary solution and can lead to bigger problems in the long run.
Your parent is using alcohol to cope, but what really needs to happen is they need to find the right kind of help. Remember, you are not responsible for their drinking, and they will need support to overcome this challenge. It’s okay to feel sad or confused, but always remember that this situation is not your fault.
How can I get help for my alcoholic parent?
If you’re under 18, it’s really important to understand that helping a parent with their drinking isn’t something you’re expected to handle on your own. It’s a lot to take in, and it’s okay if it feels overwhelming. What you can do, though, is talk to a trusted adult, like a family member, teacher or even a counsellor. They can help you organise the right kind of support for your parent.
But if you’d like to learn more about how your parent can get help, feel free to keep reading. It can help to know more about the options available to them and there’s no harm in being informed.
Now, if you’re over 18 and are ready to seek help for your parent, there are a few ways to approach this. If you feel that the situation is serious and that your parent may not recognise the problem, an alcohol intervention could be the next step. An alcohol intervention is a carefully planned meeting where family and friends come together to talk to the person struggling with alcohol about how their drinking is affecting them and everyone around them.
The aim of an intervention is to gently but firmly encourage your parent to seek professional help for their addiction. It’s not something to rush into due to there being a lot of preparation involved. You’ll need to gather information about treatment options beforehand and ensure that the focus of the conversation is on love and support. The end goal is to offer them a pathway to alcohol addiction treatment, where they can start their recovery journey.
If you’re finding it difficult to manage an alcohol intervention, know that while Oasis Runcorn doesn’t offer direct intervention services, we can still provide guidance and support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice.
How can an alcohol addiction rehab programme help my parent?
An alcohol addiction rehab programme is designed to help someone recover from their dependency on alcohol in a safe, supportive environment. It’s important to know that rehab isn’t like a prison or a punishment but a place where your parent can heal and get their life back on track.
At Oasis Runcorn, our alcohol rehab programme begins with detox, which is the process of safely removing alcohol from the body. This is done with medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms and keep your parent comfortable.
After detox, your parent will take part in therapy, which is essential in helping them understand why they turned to alcohol and how to cope in healthier ways. Therapy includes one-on-one counselling and group support, giving them tools to rebuild their life.
Finally, we offer aftercare, which provides ongoing support after rehab to ensure your parent stays on the right path. This continued care helps them stay strong in their recovery journey.
If you’d like to learn more about how our alcohol rehab programme can help your parent, please don’t wait. The sooner they start, the better their chances of recovery. Reach out to us today for more information and remember that we’re here to support you every step of the way.
