How Can I Help My Son Stop Drinking?

Category: Alcohol Abuse and Addiction, Resources

Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances by young adults. For many adolescents, alcohol is the first substance they experiment with. Ease of access and legality make it incredibly easy to obtain. Even if your child is not old enough to buy alcohol for themselves, chances are they know someone who can or they have access to it in someone’s home.

If you suspect your child is using alcohol, your first instinct may be to get them to stop, but it’s not always an easy conversation to have. There are many reasons your child may be using alcohol making it crucial to approach the topic carefully. If your child is under the age of 18, you have more control over getting them into treatment, however in most cases, including your child in the process can help alleviate tension and improve outcomes.

How Can I Help My Son Stop Drinking? Here Are Some Options

There are multiple ways to broach the topic of alcohol abuse with your child. First and foremost, gathering evidence and collecting facts regarding your child’s situation can make it easier to move forward in the conversation. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to take action immediately. Some ways you can help your son stop drinking include:

Talk about the dangers: Talk to your son about the damaging effects of alcohol. On top of the potential dangers associated with drinking and driving, alcohol can have lasting effects on a person’s body. Talking about it in these terms can be particularly impactful for young adults and may be enough to change their behaviors.
Get their friends involved: If your child is unresponsive to you, they may be more willing to listen to their friends. Teens and young adults tend to feel a great amount of peer pressure when it comes to use of substances. Hearing concern from their friends can be incredibly impactful in changing your child’s mindset regarding alcohol use. A lot of times, kids may be more receptive to feedback from their friends than from their parents.
Remove alcohol from the home: One way to minimize the influence of alcohol is to reduce access to it. While you may have no issue with alcohol, its presence in the home can be a source of temptation for your child. Limiting availability to it may help your child stop use altogether.
Set an example: If you or a family member use alcohol regularly, it may be time to cut back. Setting an example for your child regarding alcohol use can help them become more introspective. If you also struggle with alcoholism, working on quitting together can be impactful. On top of making a healthy lifestyle change, it also can help you develop a stronger relationship with your child.
Consider an intervention: A professional intervention can help your child realize the severity of the situation and prompt them to accept help. If your child is under the age of 18, you have more control over moving them into treatment regardless of their feelings about the situation. If your child is over 18, you can still hold an intervention, but you cannot force them to get help. Learn tips for how to host an intervention for your loved one.
Discuss treatment options with a professional: Bringing your child to meet with a medical professional can be beneficial in multiple ways. It provides a safe environment to discuss your child’s situation in a way that does not make them feel judged. A medical professional’s feedback will not be biased and be solely based on what is best for your child. By including your son in the conversation, he can feel empowered in taking control of his recovery and address any concerns or fears he may have moving forward. Learn more about alcohol treatment for your son.
Take your child to rehab: If your son is under the age of 18, you can make decisions regarding treatment for him. You are able to check your son into rehab with or without his permission. If your son refuses to accept help or does not recognize the growing problem, it may be the best step to take.