Whether looking for alcohol rehab in Scottsdale for a parent or just looking for answers, knowing how to address alcohol abuse in your family can be challenging. We’re here to help.
Identifying The Signs of Alcoholism and Alcohol Use Disorder
AUD is a chronic condition characterized by the following:
- Inability to control or stop drinking
- Ignoring the negative consequences of drinking
- Requiring more alcohol to feel intoxicated
- Time is consumed with buying, drinking, and recovering from alcohol use[1]
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How To Talk To An Alcoholic Parent about Alcohol Rehab Scottsdale
Attempting to intervene on behalf of a parent addicted to alcohol can be challenging and even scary. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the process and encourage them to seek the help they need.
Don’t Broach The Subject If They’re Intoxicated
From a medical perspective, when one is under the influence of the effects of alcohol, cognitive function and decision-making abilities are severely impaired. Now is not the time to introduce and attempt to discuss sensitive topics.
Start With Compassion
In some cases, tough love may be appropriate, but in most instances, a compassionate approach is the most successful. Stay positive and avoid using judgmental terms or tone when broaching the subject of seeking help for alcohol abuse.
Talk To Them Openly
Choose a safe space and time when your parents feel comfortable discussing their struggles. It can be challenging to question the behaviors and habits of your parental figure, but it’s important not to hold back and show them everything you say and do is born of love and concern.
Be Specific
Avoid general accusations of “drinking too much” and use specific examples. Where have you seen their drinking habits affect their life? When have they lost control and experienced negative consequences? Stick to factual examples without embellishing the truth.
Ask Lots Of Questions
Never assume you know or fully understand what they’re going through. Ask questions and get them to talk about their habits and struggles in their own words. Ask open-ended questions that allow them to think through the answers honestly.
Focus On Solutions
If possible, don’t dwell too long on problems and obstacles—transition into a solution-focused discussion and future positioning about improving quality of life.
Hold Firm To Non-Enabling Boundaries
Communicate that you are not willing to participate in their addiction to alcohol. If applicable, show them how you and others have enabled their habits.
Whether it’s calling in sick to work for them, caring for hangover symptoms, hiding their habits from friends and family, purchasing alcohol for them, or facilitating transportation, all of these actions can continue to protect them from the consequences of their actions and enable them to continue in their unhealthy addiction. Once you have established these boundaries, stick to them consistently.
Point Them Toward Professional Treatment
In many cases, the initial response is to say they will stop drinking and quit alone. While this may work for some people and more mild cases, it is not a practical, lasting solution for most. Encourage them to seek professional treatment and get the support they need for alcohol abuse and any underlying mental health concerns.
Helping A Parent Seek Professional Treatment
If your parent is receptive to what you’ve shared, they may be open to seeking professional treatment as soon as possible. Before you even begin the discussion, ensure you have resources and materials prepared to help alleviate their immediate concerns about seeking treatment.
Whether that’s websites, brochures, or a treatment center on speed dial, be ready to help them take that first step to recovery. Offer to drop them off or make the arrangements on their behalf if they’re willing but unable to do this themselves.
What Alcohol Addiction Treatment Looks Like at Alcohol Rehab Scottsdale
Professional intervention measures will vary from person to person depending on several risk factors and the severity of their disorder.
Detox Referrals
In severe alcohol use disorder cases, a medical detox may be required before beginning other treatments to ensure the body is free of harmful substances.
Holistic Addiction Treatment
Treating the entire person, mind, body, and soul through individual therapy and holistic interventions will give your parent the best chance of lifelong success.
Long-Term Support
Sobriety is most effective within a community. Once formal treatment is over, it’s essential to maintain long-term support with individual and group therapy, relapse prevention strategies, and peer support groups.
What To Do If They’re Not Interested In Professional Help
Whether your parent is in denial about the severity of their disorder or if they’re concerned about missing work or paying for treatment, here’s what to do if they are not open to professional help.
- Accept that you cannot force them to participate
- Show them that financial support is available through insurance or payment plans
- Continue to encourage them toward treatment
- Hold firm to your boundaries
- Stay informed about local resources and treatment programs
- Seek medical help
- Make sure they know you’re available to help when they’re ready
- Arrange an intervention with friends and family
Resources and Support Available For You And Your Parent
If your parent is not prepared for professional treatment or if you, as the child of an alcoholic, require support for your journey, several community resources are available.
- Therapy and counseling
- Al-Anon 12-step programs
- SMART Recovery Programs
- Co-Dependents Anonymous (Co-DA)
Professional Holistic Treatment For Alcohol Use Disorder Recovery
There is help and hope available for AUD sufferers and their families. Contact Desert Cove Recovery Today about holistic solutions for alcohol rehab Scottsdale families trust.
Source:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm
