How To If you have an alcoholic parent, deal with them as an adult.
As you get older, dealing with an alcoholic parent is harder.You may have conflicting feelings about your involvement in your family and how to relate to your parent.There are ways to interact more effectively with your family and help decrease tensions.When dealing with an alcoholic parent, make sure to prioritize your own well-being.Don't be afraid to reach out for professional help.
Step 1: There is a difference between addiction and alcohol abuse.
Abuse and addiction are separate things.Alcohol abuse is when a person uses alcohol more than they should, either through binge drinking or drinking too often.If a person doesn't drink alcohol they will experience withdrawal because their body is physically dependent on alcohol.Inability to follow through with responsibilities and obligations, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they don't drink, are signs of chemical dependence and addiction in your parent.
Step 2: The effects of alcohol can be seen immediately.
Alcohol can damage the brain and cause memory loss.If your parent is drunk, don't argue with them.It's possible that your parent will say things they wouldn't normally say, and then not remember.Remove yourself from the situation if you're upset with your parent.Let's not talk about this right now.We can talk tomorrow, I'm going to leave.
Step 3: Alcohol can cause family tensions.
The risk of problems with the family is higher if your parent drinks a lot.Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol, which may explain why situations may escalate as your parent ages.There will be family tensions if your parent continues to drink.Difficult family situations are hard to accept.You can't change your parent's behavior.Being a good listener, finding negotiations, and respecting your family members are things you can do to ease tensions.
Step 4: Don't blame shifting.
Some alcoholics believe that alcoholism can be treated with proper treatment and a committed individual.They might say that they have no control, but they still have choices.Don't allow your parent to manipulate you by saying they're sick or blaming you for relapses.People who suffer from addiction may hide behind illness to control the behavior of those who want to help them.This allows them to keep doing what they've been doing.
Step 5: Obey your parent's boundaries.
You don't want to place yourself in an unsafe situation if you want your parent to be a part of your life.Discuss your boundaries with your parent.Tell your parent that you will leave if they are drunk or acting in a disorderly manor.If your parent requires you to handle legal problems, you will no longer be able to.You should choose boundaries that protect you and your family.If you feel like your parent endangers your children's safety, say that they are not allowed to babysit or drink in your home.Don't talk to your parent while they're drunk.All family gatherings should be alcohol-free.If your parent tends to drink at a certain time of the day, it's a good idea to avoid calls after that time.
Step 6: You should approach your parent in a realistic manner.
You can't stop your parent from drinking.It's up to your parent to follow through on a promise to quit.When the pattern of alcohol abuse continues, you may feel let down.When your parent is ready, they can only stop.You can discuss your parent's drinking with them.Mention a particular incident that worried you and that had clear and visible consequences, and state your feelings.
Step 7: Ask about interactions with medication.
You can visit the doctor with your parent.Ask the doctor if there are any unsafe drug interactions with your parent's medication and alcohol.If taken with alcohol, daily medications can be dangerous.Alcohol and aspirin can cause bleeding in the stomach and intestines, as well as alcohol and antihistamines and pain killers.
Step 8: Take away your sense of responsibility.
If you want to take care of your parent, you should stop consuming alcohol.It can anger the person if they hide the alcohol or pour it down the drain.It is not your fault that your parent drinks; you did not cause them to drink.You can't solve your parent's drinking problem because you did not cause it.
Step 9: Accept your feelings.
You may be affected by your parent's drinking problem.You may find it difficult to feel love, frustration, anger, or hopelessness.You don't like your parent's drinking problem.You are not the only one who struggles with conflicting emotions.Write down your feelings for your parent.You can write a letter to your parent detailing how their drinking affects you.You can either write the letter and process your feelings or not.
Step 10: Try to deal with stress in a healthy way.
There are healthy ways to deal with stress.Instead of turning to drugs, alcohol, sleeping, or bingeing on food or television, find healthy outlets for your stress.You can use exercise to get your body moving and relieve stress by dancing, going to the gym, or hiking.Have a game night or bowling with friends.It's good to do things that make you feel good.You should have activities that you enjoy doing.This can include starting a yoga practice or reading a book.Make time for yourself.A cup of tea in the morning is a good way to start the day.You can take a break to put things in perspective.
Step 11: It's in someone.
It's difficult to deal with the lifestyle and feelings of having an alcoholic parent.You don't have to keep it all to yourself.Sharing your feelings can make you feel better.You can find a friend who is willing to listen to you.In a sibling or close friend.It doesn't mean you're disloyal to your parent if you talk to someone.
Step 12: It is important to engage in meaningful relationships.
Adult children may shy away from intimate relationships.Interpersonal relationships can be difficult due to low self-esteem.It's important to have intimate relationships in order to create meaningful relationships.When you need it, friendship can offer support.Volunteer if you can't meet friends.It's a great way to meet people with similar interests as you can provide an environment to get to know one another.
Step 13: If you have existing drug problems, treat them.
If you do the same thing as your parent, you should get treatment.Many children of alcoholic parents suffer from alcohol problems of their own.It's time for you to get help.Pick a treatment that is suitable for you.Inpatient therapy can include going to a recovery center or seeing a therapist.Inpatient care may be the best choice if you are an alcoholic.If you don't have a doctor, you can do it at home, but it can be harmful.Depending on the person's needs, a typical inpatient stay is 4-7 days.Check out How to Overcome Alcoholism for more information.
Step 14: Join a support group.
There are other people who struggle with an alcoholic parent.You can connect with other people who have alcoholic parents through a support group.A support group is a great way to connect with others, not feel alone in your struggles, share your experiences, and support one another.Adult Children of Alcoholics or Al-Anon Family Groups are some support groups to consider.If you seek treatment for your own issues with alcohol, look for support groups or group therapies through your doctor, clinic, or program.Some of these groups are run by licensed professionals.
Step 15: Individual therapy is what you should get.
Low self-esteem, shame, isolation, and emotional distress are some of the things children of alcoholics experience.You may want to seek the help of a therapist because it can be difficult to handle these things on your own.A therapist can help you work through your emotions, change your mindset, and build skills to cope with stress more effectively.Call your insurance provider to find a therapist.You can ask a friend for a recommendation or get a referral from your general doctor.