As we get older, the needle starts to shift when it comes to the relationships we have with our parents. For the first few decades of our lives we are reliant upon them, to clothe, feed, and teach. They help shape us into the people we are.
Then, as we enter adulthood, the shift begins as our parents age and need our support. It’s the circle of life, and one in which many health-related problems can be thrown our way. Addiction is becoming more and more common, and when it comes to alcohol addiction for an example, the effects can be deadly.
The number of people suffering from alcohol abuse around the world is quite staggering, and for those that are suffering from it as they enter older age, the health implications can be large.
We all want to see our parents have relationships with our children, so if you want them to have a healthy final few decades on the planet and a great relationship with their grandchildren, then if you think they’re suffering from addiction, action should be taken.
It isn’t easy, particularly as they are still your parents and in effect will feel they should be looking after you. However, it must be done, and here’s how…
Firstly, gather the evidence
When it comes to addiction, it doesn’t matter who you are, there will be denial encountered first. Most people who have a problem refuse to believe that and therefore it’s vital that you gather evidence so you can prove they do.
You know your parents incredibly well, so you’ll be able to find such evidence quite easy, as well as even highlighting particular events that have impacted your life due to their alcoholism. That could be more recent, or even stretch back to childhood if they have suffered with the problem for a long period of time. By having evidence, you can then share this and it may make it easier to understand when they are confronted.
Involve loved ones
If you have brothers and sisters, family friends, or perhaps even grown up children, then get them involved. It’s a strength in numbers scenario and it will also ensure you have a support network while going through what is quite a stressful situation.
Loved ones will also be able to provide their evidence and any circumstances where your parent’s alcoholism has affected them, which can only bolster your cause when it comes to that confrontation.
Give them solutions
Don’t just arrive at the confrontation stage with the problems, give them solutions too. Do your research into rehabilitation programmes and give them a number of options that you think will best suit them.
By having the options already there for them, they be more inclined to accept they need to do something about their addiction and you can even set up consultations with treatment centres so they find the right treatment for them.
Set a date, and come at them with love
You need to confront your parent or parents, but you need to do so with love, support and understanding. While a person’s addiction can lead to many things that can cause anger, they need to know you’re doing it for them and because you love them.
Get all the family together and be organized with what you’re going to say, presenting evidence and offering solutions. This will allow the conversation to flow in a much more structured way and ensure you tell them everything they need to know without it turning into a slanging match. That won’t help anyone. You need to be cool, calm, collected and make sure that your parents know the seriousness of the matter and that they do need help.
Photo Credit
Image by DiamondRehabThailand from Pixabay
Guest Author Bio
Adam Richman
Adam is an avid gamer and loves baking. As well as spending time in the kitchen, in his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing and spending time with his family.
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