Accepting a sibling's drinking problem is rarely easy, and can be even harder for your mother or father to deal with. While alcoholism and drinking addictions are relatively common, they can be ruinous to your brother or sister's financial, social and family life. Noticing the warning signs of self-destruction or addiction in your sibling's behavior is a key indicator that it may be time to speak up to your parents and loved ones. With these techniques, you can make the correct decision about when and where to break the news without feeling that you are betraying your sibling.
Step 1
Select a safe time and place wherein you and your parents can comfortably talk about your sibling's drinking problem. Try to pick a time wherein your parents are free of any obligations and do not have many stressful concerns or deadlines weighing on their minds.
Step 2
Be upfront and honest about your concerns. Tell your parents right off that you are concerned that your brother or sister may have a drinking problem. Always remember that your parents raised you from birth and would nearly always prefer to know an uncomfortable truth than be left out of a serious problem.
Step 3
Ask your parents if they can recall any "red flags" that indicate they may have noticed a drinking problem with your sibling. For instance: a drunken phone call or outburst at a family dinner or gathering. Collectively decide how severe the drinking problem is and whether your sibling's family may be in danger of violence or abuse, and may require intervention.
Step 4
Remind your parents that the decision to end the problem is ultimately in your sibling's hands. If the problem is relatively recent or non-severe, a simple heart-felt talk may be all that is required for your sibling to acknowledge their problem and seek help. Contact your local Alcoholics Anonymous center for additional information on how to safely discuss your sibling's alcohol problem with any other family members or friends involved.
Step 5
Invite your parents to join you in coming up with a battle plan for approaching your sibling and seeking treatment. Examine any areas where you may be enabling your sibling's addiction and stop purchasing or providing alcohol to them during family gatherings or other events. Prepare for what to do in case of a relapse, if your sibling decides to seek help, and decide on a plan of action that involves your parents.
Tips and Warnings
- Although you may feel that you are betraying your sibling at first, remember that being a good brother or sister may sometimes mean being brutally honest. Confront your sibling in a way that is loving, open and direct, and be prepared for them to defend or deny the addiction.
- Contact your local law enforcement office if the severity of the situation escalates, or your sibling appears clearly to be a danger to herself or others.
