Watching your teen slowly deteriorate as a result of an addiction to alcohol can be difficult. In addition to despair and frustration, you may also feel that you do not know how to help your child. Furthermore, talking to your teen about alcohol can be difficult if they don’t want to address underage drinking. You may wonder if there is anywhere you can turn to get professional care.
If you are unsure about talking to your teen about alcohol, you may want to consult an adolescent treatment center in North Carolina. A treatment specialist can meet with you to discuss your situation, address your concerns and answer your questions. Let’s take a look below at how to talk to your teenager about alcohol abuse.
How to Identify Alcoholism in Teens
An alcoholic is someone who has fallen into an alcohol use disorder. They have developed a physical or psychological dependence on the substance. Although it can be difficult to identify alcoholism, there are some symptoms, such as:
- The teenager can’t get through the day without a drink
- Alcohol is affecting every area of your teen’s life
- Every time they drink, they drink to an excess
- Their problem interferes with family, work, health, and social life
- They deny their problem although it is obvious that they have one
- They experience changes in behavior, personality, habits, sleep, and diet
If you are unsure whether your teenager has a problem with alcohol, you may want to approach them and discuss your concerns.
Tips For Talking to Your Teen About Alcohol
Although you may not know how to help your teen, there are some steps you can take to get professional care. Here are some tips to get you started:
Know What You Are Going to Say
When you talk to your child, you need to choose your words carefully. Being too harsh, judgmental, or point fingers can turn them away. However, you also need to be direct and firm. Prepare yourself for any possible reaction. Stay calm regardless of how your teen acts.
Choose the Right Location and Time
Make sure your child is sober. Otherwise, you are wasting your time. Also, choose a place and time where are no distraction. Make sure it is a private place to avoid any interruptions.
Offer Support and Encouragement
Regardless of how you are feeling at the time, the most important thought you need to convey is support and encouragement. Urge your teen to get into an alcohol addiction treatment center. Let them know that you will take them and be with them throughout their recovery. Even if you don’t know how to help your child, offering care and support with sincerity can go a long way.
Help With Talking To Your Teen About Alcohol
If you need help with talking to your teen about alcohol, then contact Foothills at Red Oak today. We can provide education and resources on how to help your teenager. We also provide detox, rehab, and relapse prevention. To find out more about our treatment center in North Carolina, call us at 866.300.5275.
