Something’s different about your son or daughter. You can’t really put your finger on it. They’re often tired, seem disinterested, and isolate themselves from you. Could it be an early form of alcoholism? Understanding the signs of alcohol abuse is crucial to getting them the proper addiction treatment.
At Zelus Recovery, our team can help you learn to identify the early signs of alcoholism in our alcohol detox program. We believe that comprehensive care for alcoholism should include mental health treatment sessions to help people heal from this type of addiction, but the first step is up to you. Learn more about our alcohol detox center and how it can help you begin your recovery journey by calling 208.518.0797 or filling out our online form.
Behavioral Changes Could Be Alcohol Abuse
Your teen or young adult spends an extraordinary amount of time partying and staying out late. Let’s be honest; there’s a good chance alcohol is part of the experience. Most forward-thinking parents believe they’ve done a good job preparing their children for the party scene. However, sometimes peer pressure can be stronger than your morality lessons.
When the occasional drink turns into frequent binging, you may notice changes. Your teen may lie and steal money to buy alcohol. You’ll also find empty bottles containing alcohol residue in their room or vehicle. Additionally, they may often appear to have hangover symptoms but claim it’s a cold.
Above all, be on the lookout for these changes, especially if you have a family history of alcoholism. Did you know your teen or young adult could be suffering from depression or anxiety? If so, alcohol use could be a way to self-medicate. When you talk to your loved one about drinking, they may respond defensively or deny everything.
Treating Alcoholism Now
It’s essential to understand things won’t get better without treatment. Starting the conversation about alcohol abuse isn’t easy. It might be hard for your child to take you seriously if you allow yourself to become emotional. This is why clearly and succinctly stating alcohol use dangers to them is an effective, confrontational method.
That said, having this conversation alone isn’t necessary. Enlisting expert assistance helps you handle these discussions. For example, with middle school teens, early intervention makes a significant difference. With the support of an addiction therapist, you and your teen can productively express yourselves.
However, if your child is a young adult, participation in age-appropriate addiction treatment programs works as well. Examples include:
- Intensive outpatient treatment allows your loved one to remain home while in drug rehab.
- Family therapy helps you and a loved one heal and build trust.
- Relationship therapy emphasizes the formation of a healthy support group
- Dual diagnosis assessment and treatment handles behavioral disorders that contribute to alcoholism.
- Individual counseling encourages behavioral changes and thought patterns
What Happens if I Do Nothing?
Substance abuse isn’t a phase. The disease model of addiction explains that drug abuse is a brain disorder. As a chronic progressive disease that gradually gets worse, doing nothing is the worst method for handling it. This may lead to many physical and psychological consequences.
Furthermore, because addiction is a disease, there’s no guarantee your teen or young adult will outgrow it. The only way to handle the condition is with age-appropriate treatment. The earlier you catch it, the better the prognosis. When you let alcohol abuse turn into alcoholism, it’s much more difficult to treat.
Get Your Teen Help for Alcoholism at Zelus Recovery
Don’t put it off any longer. When you believe your loved one struggles with an alcohol use disorder, Zelus Recovery in Meridian, Idaho, can help. Our experts specialize in working with teens and young adults under twenty-five. Complete our online contact form or call 208.518.0797 today to get your teen the help they so desperately need.
