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What Can You Do If You Have an Adult Child Who Is an Alcoholic & Needs Help?

Alcoholism is difficult to treat and cope with, not only for the person with the alcohol addiction, but for the people around the individual who care and see how they are being negatively affected. The individual with the addiction absolutely affects the lives of their loved ones. It's often difficult to know what to do or how to even get involved, particularly with young adults who are alcoholics. However, there are steps you should take to help the individual, as well as yourself.

  1. Alcoholism

    • Alcoholism is defined as a disease in which the body is dependent on consuming alcohol. The addiction becomes apparent when the individual is unable to control their consumption and it begins to affect other areas of their life, such as family, work or school.

    Youth

    • Young adults are often difficult to approach regarding their alcoholism. Because of their lifestyle, they're often put in situations where there is alcohol around and binge drinking may seem "normal" to them because of certain social gatherings they attend. Younger adults may become defensive when help is offered; perhaps insisting they do not have a problem, but if you notice signs of excessive drinking do become involved.

    Action

    • There are several steps you need to take in order to help a young adult with an alcohol addiction. Because this is a difficult problem for everyone involved, it is recommended that you yourself get help. Begin by first attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and visit with and addiction counselor so you get the support and information you need for the important course you're about to take. You will need to stage an intervention for the individual with the addiction, but be sure to have an addictions specialist there to help you every step of the way. At the intervention itself, have people there who care about the person and who can express how the alcoholism has affected them negatively. While you must be truthful in the intervention, it is extremely important that you are supportive as well. This is to ensure that the individual with the alcohol addiction knows they are not being attacked, but helped by those they love. After the intervention and once the individual has agreed to accept help, pick a treatment center and transport the individual to the facility. Pack their bags for them and drive them there. It is extremely important that you take control of the situation.

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