My son is 18 and we found out he had been drinking secretly, alone in his room earlier this year. We found him very drunk one night. He cried and told us he was depressed and using alcohol to cope. We found 12 empty vodka bottles in his room. We had no idea as he was so secretive and drinking late after we had gone to bed.
He did go to the GP and has started sertraline. He finds it very difficult to talk about his feelings and just says he’s ok. He tried counselling but couldn’t talk to them. We’ve been keeping a watchful eye since, as much as possible but he’s an adult - we can’t monitor him all the time. We let him know we are here and will help and support him if he needs it.
Last week he lost his job. I feel he has low self esteem and this has been a knock for him. He went out for a walk yesterday and later my husband found a receipt for shopping including vodka. He eventually admitted he had bought a small bottle and drunk it on his walk.
I’m terrified this is going to escalate into a real problem. It’s not the amount he is drinking but hiding it and keeping it secret. He shuts down when we talk to him. What do we do to support him?