When I was recovering from acute alcohol withdrawal, I put together jigsaw puzzles with my wife. It was a way to be connected and do something together, but it was easy to go at my own pace, while on the couch wrapped up in a blanket. I know 8 year olds are kind of high energy, and a puzzle might be asking too much of him. But, it is worth a try. It will give you something to do together, and the problem solving aspect of it may help your brain begin to "wake up."