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Addiction to Alcohol/leting go of an alocholic son

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Expert: - 10/27/2008


Question
I have a son age 23 and his common law wife age 21, both are alcoholics and admit to being so. My concern is their 3 year old daughter and her safety. How can I assure her safety and help the parents get help in recovery?

Answer
Hi Ruth,

Your son and his wife are both young and have to get their lives on track. Are you in a position to help out? If you are, ask them if they'd like you to do more 'baby sitting' particularly in the late afternoon and evenings, when the drinking starts.

If you truly believe that the child is in jeopardy, you may have to alert child protection and have them award temporary custody to you. This is certainly not easy - and they'll be very angry with you, but it might give them the determination the shape up and go into recovery.

You might also get support from Al Anon members who are grandparents in similar situations. This support can be very encouraging.

I hope this is helpful,

Best of luck,

Bev
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com  

Addiction to Alcohol

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Beverley Glazer

Expertise

I can answer questions on all addictive behaviors: alcohol, drugs, food, compulsive sex, codependency, gambling, compulsive shoplifting etc.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience working in the addiction field. My experience extends to all levels of substance abuse. I've worked in rehabs and detox centers, prisons and half-way houses and have a busy private practice as well as an active website where I can be reached for recovery coaching and consultation. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist, but 12-step programs are an excellent support. When working in the addiction field, there is no cookie-cutter solution. In the recovery field, you witness miracles. That's why I love what I do.

Organizations
NAADAC The Association for Addiction Professionals, CACCF Canadian Addiction Counselors Federation, CCA Canadian Counseling Association, For more information please see: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com

Education/Credentials
BA Psychology, MA Counseling Psychology, ICADC International Alcohol and Drug Counselor, ICAC International Clinical Addiction Counselor, CGC Certified Gambling Counselor.

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