The Dr. Laura Podcast We Don't Want to Lose This Son Too
Jan 5, 2026
A couple grapples with the heavy burden of having lost a son to suicide while struggling to connect with their alcoholic adult son. Tensions rise as they navigate unclear messages from his fiancée about his sobriety. Dr. Laura encourages them to resist engaging in potentially unhealthy dynamics and emphasizes the need for intensive therapy for their son. With heartfelt concern, they discuss setting boundaries to protect their family while addressing pressing mental health needs.
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Refuse The Rescue Trap
- Do not engage with a partner who is trying to offload responsibility for an alcoholic son by texting you that he's 'sober.'
- Avoid answering such texts and focus on your own life instead of rescuing the repeating problem.
Prioritize The Living And Your Energy
- Having one child alive but chronically self-destructive is different from losing a child to suicide, and you should allocate your emotional energy accordingly.
- Focus on the living family members, your marriage, and positive pursuits rather than overinvesting in the alcoholic child.
Set One Firm Condition
- If the son shows up seeking help, set a firm condition before you let him back into your home: intensive psychiatric or addiction treatment.
- Insist on professional help because his suffering doesn't permit hurting others.