How do I tell my son that I think he is drinking too much?

Question

He's 27 yrs old and lives by himself.

Answer 1

Son, you are drinking WAY too much. I am your mother, listen to me, this is out of love.

Answer 2

Make sure you have your facts in line and that you have plenty of things to point out supporting your suspicions. Be clear on how his drinking is negatively effecting you and why you are concerned for him. Don't just say, "i think you are drinking too much". Instead say, "when you drink heavily X, Y, and Z happen which causes A B and C problems". Ask him if he could do you the favor to and not drink under specific situations that he currently does that you think are problematic. If he's not ready to recognize a problem in general he will not; however, if you can convince him that specific aspects of his drinking are bad you can begin to show him how deep his problem goes. It's not the kind of thing that you are going to solve with one conversation. Do not attack him or bring it up while he has been drinking. .

Answer 3

Do it with others that care for him and that agree with you. Know how it is affecting his life negatively. Be aware that if he has a really serious problem, he might not listen at all. It is usually best if you discuss it with a professionally trained counselor that has experience and knowledge of alcoholism beforehand, and have them there to talk with him too.

That's as much as I know. Professionals are out there for this, and they can help a great deal. I'll keep you and your son in my prayers, for what that is worth.

Answer 4

These answers range from compassionate to dangerously naive.

Go to people who study and work with alcoholism every day: AA, or the National Institute of Health, or other experts.

Also, learn about yourself with the group that's committed to supporting friends and loved ones of alcoholics, Al-Anon.

Good luck. Alcoholism is a nasty disorder.

Answer 5

Tell him when he has not been drinking. Say you've been concerned that he is drinking too much. Don't give him the opportunity to say no by asking him a question about it.

Answer 6

Well kids/adults often rebel against what parents say, and often try to contradict and defy the situation. But it doesnt hurt to be a concern mother and sit down to tell him about your feelings and what you are feeling troubled with.

Is only human because you're his mother. Goodluck

Answer 7

It's hard when your dealing with you r own .I would call him to my house sit him down and tell him you know he's old enough to do what he want's but your worried about his drinking and go from there.

Answer 8

You can tell him how you feel - "I'm concerned about your drinking" and tell him why you have these concerns. But then you have to let go of it. You have no control over this young man.

Answer 9

Just tell him. Take it from me. I think I'm and alcoholic and it sucks. I'm drinking now, in fact. Just tell him and try to help him.

Answer 10

yOU SOUND LIKE A GREAT MOTHER. cONCERN IS A HINT. yOU HAVE SEVERAL CHOICES ON HOW AND WHEN TO ASK AND HELP HIM WITH THIS PROBLEM. fIRST IS TO ASK BEFORE ACCUSING . yOU AND i MIGHT KNOW THE TRUTH BUT WHAT GOOD IS IT IF HE DOESN'T KNOW. nO TOUGHT LOVE THAT WOULD ONLY PUSH HIM AWAY. mENTION SOMETHING LIKE YOU READ A STORY IN THE PAPER ABOUT YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN DRINKING VERY EARLY IN AGE. gET HIE PERSPECTIVE ABOUT THIS SUBJECT THEN ASK ABOUT HIM. dONT RUSH THE CONVERSATION. tRY TO ACT LIKE YOU ARE HAVING A NORMAL CONVERSATION. i HOPE THIS WORKS. iT WORKS FOR ME WHEN MY IN LAWS APPROACH ME ABOUT SOMETHING. i AM HIS AGE AS WELL. aND FOR YOU AS A MOM WELLLLLLL, wE CAN TALK ABOUT THIS NOW, WHEN HE IS THE HOSPITAL HURT BY SOMEONE, IN PRISON FOR SOMETHING OR GOD BLESS HIM MEETING HIS MASTER. DONT WAIT FOR TOMORROW FOR WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY. gOOD LUCK