How To Talk To A Parent About Their Alcoholism?

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Robert Gerchalk

Robert is our health care professional reviewer of this website. He worked for many years in mental health and substance abuse facilities in Florida, as well as in home health (medical and psychiatric), and took care of people with medical and addictions problems at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University.

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How To Talk To A Parent About Their Alcoholism?

If you think your parent has a drinking problem, it’s important to talk to them about it. Alcoholism is a serious condition that can have a negative impact on many aspects of a person’s life, including their health, relationships, and work. If you’re worried about your parent’s drinking, here are some tips on how to talk to them about it:

1. Choose a time when you’re both calm and relaxed. It’s important to have this conversation when neither of you are angry or upset. This will help ensure that the conversation goes smoothly and that your parent is more receptive to what you have to say.

2. Be honest with your parent. Tell them that you’re worried about their drinking and why you think it might be a problem. It’s important to be open and honest in order to get your point across.

3. Listen to what your parent has to say. They may have their own explanations or defense for why they drink. It’s important to listen to and understand their point of view before moving forward with the conversation.

4. Suggest ways they can get help. If your parent is receptive to the idea of getting help for their drinking, suggest some resources they can use. There are many available options, such as therapy, support groups, and treatment programs.

5. Offer your support. Let your parent know that you’re there for them and that you want to help them in any way you can. This includes supporting them as they seek help for their alcoholism.

Talking to a parent about their alcoholism can be a difficult conversation, but it’s an important one. By following these tips, you can ensure that the conversation goes smoothly and that your parent is receptive to what you have to say.