If he won’t listen, he doesn’t want help. As a parent, I say keep on trying. Perhaps you can go through his garbage everyday, collect all the bottles and cans, and show them to him at the end of the week? Also, read this http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=1006032413025

The truth is that you can’t. He’s addicted to alcohol and can’t come to terms with it. You need some support!! Try Al Anon..Addiction. There really is nothing much parents can do to “help” but you can get some support from people who are experiencing the same thing. It helps. You CAN tell him what you think about his addiction. You CAN not let him take advantage of you. You CAN talk to him about drinking and driving. You CAN tell him you love him. That’s about it.

Oh my this is a tough one, I am a recovering alcoholic of 3 yrs. From my experience as both a parent and in recovery, he is in deinal, he must really hit rock bottom before he will come to see he has a problem. You may want to go to a web site called A&E.com, there is a show called Intervention. I do believe there is a web site or ph.# you can call to get the help he needs. They can instruct you in how to go about it all. Also you can also look in your area for AA to help you figure out how to go about how to help your son. Please be careful, to much nagging will only push him farther into his alcoholism………
Good Luck, and I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers.
Catherine

Be objective and honest. Share what changes in behavior and attitude you have personally observed.

Stay calm.
Don’t lecture, moralize, scold, blame, threaten, argue, attack, or lose your temper.
Share physical evidence of drug/alcohol usage.
Don’t allow the user to lie to you. Taking responsibility for oneself is essential to motivating a person to find help.
Accept no promises. Work towards a pledge to take action and develop a plan to seek help.

Often times when someone you love abuses alcohol you feel isolated, responsible and agonize over what to do in order to help them. It is VERY common for individuals who love someone who abuses alcoholto work overtime trying to figure out strategies to control the person’s use and behavior. It is not unusual to feel angry, emotionally drained and even victimized. Loved ones affected by another’s drinking wonder, “Did I do something to make him/her drink?” Then, they try to figure out ways to change themselves in order to get the abuser to change.
It is important to be aware that no one has the power to make someone use or to stop them from using. You are NOT responsible for their actions. What it is important to keep in mind however, is that if you work on yourself, then you’ll be better prepared to attend to the person who is using.

Tell your loved one that you care about him

Share examples of behaviors that trouble you.

Tell your loved one how you feel.

Tell your loved one what you need from him

Restate to your loved one that you care about him

You do not have to fix the problem. Even if the behavior does not stop, by telling your loved one how you feel and what you want, you become a part of the solution because you are no longer DENYING the problem.
Use “I” statements. It avoids defensiveness and helps him/her hear what you have to say
Be courageous.
find someone you can talk to about this; don’t keep it bottled up
find an outside interest and develop your own talents
be honest with yourself and others
have a phone number ready, if your loved
one decides they want help
Call Mercy EAP for assistance at 1-800-383-6694.