When there’s alcoholism in the family - preparing for the holidays means setting priorities….
The holidays are around the corner.
Excitement. Candy. Family togetherness, but for some families …
A Sober October …?
For some families, October may begin with a Sober October, an international effort to help individuals realize the role alcohol plays in their lives and how much they may be drinking by abstaining totally for 31 days.
Problematic Drinking … ?
But not all individuals are able to be interested, particularly those where there is someone with addiction, setting the stage for all the collateral damage that can come when the holidays are disrupted by fighting and arguments.
This is particularly heartbreaking for children.
What to do?
Think of this holiday season as an opportunity to support your children and the children of your patients.
They probably love their mother or father, grandfather, favorite aunt or uncle, or adorable older cousin, despite how they act when intoxicated.
However, they may feel hurt, confused, frightened, embarrassed, angry, or even blame themselves for the thoughtless behaviors of their cherished family members during the holidays.
Al-Anon
If this is your family, or if you have patients in families struggling with problematic drinking, consider a referral to Al-Anon and Alateen.
To support the adults and children facing addiction in their family:
· Consider introducing the idea of their attending an Al-Anon and Alateen meeting, a mutual support group for teens which is part of Al-Anon.
o Meetings are anonymous—no personal information is requested
o They can be attended in person, or virtually
o Meetings are available in most states and even in most countries
o Meetings are facilitated by trained Al-Anon member
o Alateen meetings provide an opportunity for youth to share their experiences in a safe and structured discussion
o Meetings are easy to find by going to
· https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings
o And they’re free!
· Out of crisis – opportunity -- teach about alcohol and other drugs
o Research shows that short conversations are more effective in educating youth about alcohol and drug abuse rather than longer ones, which are more involved and which kids tend to tune out.
o If there’s a family gathering with too much drinking and drug use, think of this an opportunity to addresses a variety of issues, but one at a time:
1. Drinking and driving – how dangerous this is
2. Getting angry – how easy this is if you’re using, and how it hurts
3. Being messy – spilling drinks, food, or not acting like yourself, can be embarrassing.
4. Falling asleep – and missing all the fun.
Learn more about Al-Anon — A Community Resource for Patients and Clients
As a professional, you see those affected by someone else’s drinking.
Al-Anon, a mutual support program for relatives and friends of alcoholics, can help.
Learn more in a free online workshop.
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
1:00-1:45 pm ET
To register:
bit.ly/486HKwG
I hope to see you there.
Stay tuned. If you’re interested in my clinical work, visit me on Psychology Today. And if you’re curious about my course on resilience, email me at www.PatriciaOGorman.com.
Patricia O’Gorman, Ph.D. psychologist and life coach, is the best-selling author of nine books on trauma, resilience, women, and self-parenting. She is also known for her warm and funny presentations.