Expert: Beverley Glazer - 3/26/2009

Question
Hi Todd,
My 25 yr old son is coming home today from a 7 day detox center for alcohol. I didn't know it was this bad for him as he has lived away from home for awhile. I want to know how to best help him. He is going to get out patient treatment locally and he says he is going to AA. I told him that was a condition for living at home and that he had to work. How hard do I push? I am scared of saying the wrong things to him and making him drink. I love him dearly and want to do everything right to help him get a new life. Any suggestions?
Thank You

Answer
Hi Deborah,

Unfortunately there is nothing that you can do to help your son. He's 25. He got into drinking by himself and he has to get out of it.

He has good intentions and is going for out patient treatment. This is very important to deal with his issues and give him relapse prevention strategies. Going to AA meetings are a start but he must attend regularly, get a sponsor and do the 12 steps. This will also help him stay grounded with the emotional side of addiction.

Here are the steps:
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/12-step-program-of-aa.html

Because you need support not to enable him and get more of an understanding of what you can and cannot do, check out Al Anon meetings in your area. The members will be very helpful and everyone will understand what you're going through.

Your question was sitting in the general question pool for a week. If  you want a quicker response, feel free to ask me directly through All Experts.

Hope this information is helpful,

Thank you for asking All Experts,

Best of luck!

Beverley Glazer
http://www,untwist-your-thinking.com