have him talk to a family that lost someone to an alcohol related accident or show him pics of people who were in alcohol related accidents and were seriously injured and cant do normal things we take for granted…and get him to go back to school

That’s a tough one.. but possible if you’re really concerned. Maybe stage a mock funeral of someone he loves. I’ve seen it done before, and it really could have an affect on him. Find a very shocking but realistic way to show him how abusing alcohol could affect his life.

I’m sorry to tell you that there is nothing you can do. As hard as it seems, you must not give him any support at all. The only way alcoholics change is when they hit rock bottom. If you help him with money, a roof over his head, food, etc., you are enabling him to continue this lifestyle. If you want to save his life, you have to throw him out of the nest.

It’s not too late for him to turn his life around. But he has to want to do it himself. Not for you or for any other reason.

He obvioulsy did not do hard time for his accident. I don’t know what state you live in but in Texas, we take that very serious and doing some prison time for his DWI would change his mind. Unfortunatley, his age has a lot to do with it and he thinks it just won’t happen to him again. If your son escaped probation and/or incarceration time, believe me its coming if his behavior has not changed. If he is on probation and your are helping him with paying his fines, court costs, etc. stop. Let him deal with this on his own. Let him be responsible for his mistake. ITs going to take jail/prison time for your son to realize what he is doing. Then once he sees the punishment then will rehabilitation work for him. Basicly, like was said before, he has to hit rock bottom and hopefully that happens without him killing himself or another innocent person. Having him visit the trauma unit a local hospital on a weekend is something that you may consider. A Victim Impact Panel offered by MADD or any other advocate agency in your area is also a good idea. Find someone that is very ill with psorosis of the liver due to alcohol use, and let them explain to your son what excessive alcohol use does to your whole body, not just your liver. Im an adult probation officer and I see this situation everyday. Both ends of the spectrum. The young kid who says “not me” and the older individual whos body is breaking down that says, “I should have listened”. Hope this helps.