An addiction to alcohol can destroy families, but thankfully alcohol treatment offers hope for not just the alcoholic, but for every person who cares about them. Drug and alcohol rehab is often the only way for someone struggling with alcoholism to get the necessary tools to heal from the disease.
It can be awful to watch a parent care more about another drink than their own health. Often, alcoholics are confronted about their addiction during the holidays, when families are together and problems are highlighted. It can be an intervention that saves your loved one's life. Getting your family member into a quality alcohol treatment program is an act of love and grace, and should be celebrated, not criticized.
While no one wants to think about their parent being an alcoholic, helping them find a drug and alcohol rehab that will meet their individual needs will be the best gift you could give. Recovery from alcoholism will not be easy, and it will not happen without hard work, determination and patience, but the rewards of a renewed outlook and improved physical and emotional health will be worth every worrying moment.
Don't let the another holiday season go by without having an honest discussion with your alcoholic parent. There is no shame in seeking help through alcohol treatment, but there is shame in keeping silent about such a deadly disease. Drug and alcohol rehab programs save lives every day, and in turn, they save families every day. The holidays do not have to be miserable – there is hope in alcohol treatment.