What to Do if Your Child Begins Using Alcohol

Dealing with an addiction or substance abuse of any kind with a family member is extremely emotionally exhausting. When you suspect that your child is abusing alcohol, it can be difficult to accept, much less confront the problem yourself. If you believe your child may be using alcohol, there are a few methods to help truly determine whether or not this is the case.

How to Tell if Your Child is Using Alcohol or Drugs

Each child is different in their actions and everyday behaviors, so observing your child for any drastic changes is the first step to determine whether or not alcohol abuse may be prevalent. If your child has started to hang out with a new group of friends, has become socially withdrawn, or has even asked for more money than usual, a drug or alcohol problem may be possible. Keep track of your child's regular behaviors, as well as any odd behaviors you have exhibited yourself. Tracking your child's schedule can also help you to gain any insight into other activities they may be partaking in when you are not around. You can also search your child's drawers and under the mattress in their bedroom if you suspect they are hiding alcohol in the home. Although searching your child's room may feel drastic, it may be necessary if you have enough evidence to prove that your children have been illegally using alcohol.

Short-Term Effects of Use

If you have caught your child in the act of drinking or while they are clearly intoxicated, there are a few common signs to be aware of while confronting them. Slurring words, having difficulty standing or balancing, and even losing the ability to properly coordinate the eyes are all common signs of being under the influence of alcohol. Hangovers and headaches are also common in individuals who are not prepared to drink alcohol or if it is unfamiliar to them. Smelling alcohol on your child's breath is a surefire way to determine whether or not they are drinking it themselves.

Get Educated

Before you confront your child about their alcohol use, it is important to get educated about alcohol yourself, especially with the short and long-term effects it provokes. The more you know about alcohol, the easier it will be to convey a proper message to your child. Also, it is important to read about how alcohol can ultimately cause memory loss, liver diseases, and even the risk of death in the case of an overdose.

Confronting Your Child

Once you are ready to speak directly to your child, it is important to avoid doing so while they are drunk or clearly intoxicated. If your child is under the influence of alcohol, speaking to them about their choices at the time may have little or reversed effects from those that you desire. Speak to your child with authority, but without being condescending to them for their actions. It is important to accept that your child has found access to these items while taking the appropriate steps to move forward and ensure it does not happen again. Create a dialogue with your child about the use of alcohol and drugs, and why it is essential to avoid it for the sake of their health and futures. The more open, honest, and direct you are with your child, the higher your chances are of getting a response and having a discussion rather than an argument. Create a plan that works for you and your child to help them from stopping alcohol use. Express your concern and support to get your child through the process so they do not feel alone and feel the need to turn back to alcohol or other drugs. If your child might require professional treatment, seek alcohol help. Meta: What to do if your child begins using alcohol is get educated and speaking directly to your child about using alcohol and drugs to create a positive influence.