Reach out to a Recovery Advocate today to discover more about available treatment options. When a loved one struggles with addiction, finding the right words to say can be challenging, but silence will not improve the situation. In order to truly help your friend, partner, or family member, you need to struggling with alcohol addiction voice your concerns with honesty and empathy. Understand accepting alcoholism might intimidate your loved one. It often requires them to face their vulnerabilities, societal stigma, and the fear of life without alcohol. That’s why denial is a common coping mechanism for those with alcohol addiction.
- A health professional can conduct a formal assessment of your symptoms to see if AUD is present.
- Psychologists can also provide marital, family, and group therapies, which often are helpful for repairing interpersonal relationships and for resolving problem drinking over the long term.
- Imagine yourself in the same situation and what your reaction might be.
- There’s no specific amount that indicates someone has an alcohol use disorder.
From monthlong sobriety challenges to the Sober Curious movement, more and more people are taking a closer look at the role alcohol plays in their lives. An online sobriety support group might be a helpful addition to care. All of these common experiences might leave you feeling a greater sense of instability for yourself and your children. Building up a support network around you — along with reading advice on how to cope — can help you get through the most challenging times.
Choosing an Alcohol Rehab Treatment Program
Research the kinds of treatment that are available and discuss these options with your friend or family member. Express your concerns in a caring way and encourage your friend or family member to get help. Try to remain neutral and don’t argue, lecture, accuse, or threaten. Write your drinking goal down and keep it where you will frequently see it, such as on your phone or taped to your refrigerator. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you need help finding a mental health specialist.
If you feel comfortable doing so, discuss your challenges with your primary healthcare professional. Finding a therapist can also be a great starting point if you’re uncomfortable opening up to your healthcare professional. At the end of the day, one of the most important tools you have at your disposal is self-compassion. Instead of criticizing yourself for having a hard time or slipping up and having a drink, remember that no one’s perfect. What matters most is your ability to maintain an open, curious outlook as you learn what does and doesn’t work for you. By avoiding alcohol, you’re taking a big step toward improving physical health.
How to Help an Alcoholic Who Doesn’t Want Help
Don’t blame yourself if the first intervention isn’t successful. The most successful treatment happens when a person wants to change. Tell your loved one that you’re worried they’re drinking too much, and let them know you want to be supportive. The person may be in denial, and they may even react angrily to your attempts. Give them time and space to make an honest decision, and listen to what they have to say. Cravings for alcohol can be intense, particularly in the first six months after you quit drinking.
Shakespeare’s play “All’s Well That Ends Well” sits atop checked-out library books, all unopened. I lean my back against the hard, cool plastic chair and begin to panic. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ My book is due in a month, and I have 20,000 more words to write. I’ve already pushed the deadline back multiple times for various reasons, and this is the final push.
Types of Treatment
Alcohol has been found to be directly causally related to some diseases and conditions, such as mouth cancer in a person with a history of heavy chronic drinking. In the unfortunate event that a chronic drinker develops a serious health condition or disease, the treating physician can explain whether alcohol was a direct cause or a component cause. The attending physician can also explain how continued drinking will impact the specific condition(s) present.
- Even if they don’t require medical supervision to withdraw safely, they’ll still need support, guidance, and new coping skills to quit or cut back on their drinking.
- Those who do continue to drink heavily or regularly may do so because they are environmentally or genetically predisposed to do so.
- Take our free, 5-minute “Has My Alcohol Use Become a Problem?
- Many people with alcohol problems and their family members find that participating in support groups is an essential part of coping with the disease, preventing or dealing with relapses, and staying sober.
- I get in the car feeling bankrupt — physically, mentally and spiritually.
Is it because you’re overdoing it, or does it merely violate your religious or personal morals? Feeling bad about the occasional drink doesn’t mean you’re an alcoholic. However, if you notice that your alcohol consumption is regular and excessive, then this is a severe warning sign.
When is it common in society, it can be hard to tell the difference between someone who likes to have a few drinks now and then and someone with a real problem. Kristeen Cherney is a freelance writer and PhD candidate who specializes in covering topics related to mental disabilities, women’s health, skin health, diabetes, thyroid disease, asthma, and allergies. She’s also currently working on her dissertation, which explores intersections of disability studies and literacy studies. When she’s not researching or writing, Cherney enjoys getting outdoors as much as possible. Consider professional help or support for you and your family. A support group to build connections with others who are going through similar experiences can be beneficial.
- But in the long run denying it will only bring more harm to you, your loved one with the problem, and the rest of your family.
- This reversal of responsibilities can lead the child to develop a pattern of codependency in future relationships.
- Additionally, seeking therapy, either as a family, by yourself, or both, can also help you navigate recovery with your loved one.
- However, if you notice that your alcohol consumption is regular and excessive, then this is a severe warning sign.
- When seeking professional help, it is important that you feel respected and understood and that you have a feeling of trust that this person, group, or organization can help you.
Therapy is useful to help teach someone how to manage the stress of recovery and the skills needed to prevent a relapse. Also, a healthy diet can help undo damage alcohol may have done to the person’s health, like weight gain or loss. For example, antidepressants, if someone with an alcohol addiction were self-medicating to treat their depression. Or a doctor could prescribe drugs to assist with other emotions common in recovery.
Encourage Them to get Professional Help
Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down your circulatory and nervous system. This effect causes a relaxing sensation that helps to alleviate stress artificially. Unfortunately, it’s one of the worst ways to deal with your issues, and you’ll end up struggling with alcoholism as well. They’re similar to other 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It provides a community where you can share your experiences and learn from other recovering couples. Some binge drink even if it poses risks to their safety and health.
You can help your loved one find healthier ways to reduce their stress level by encouraging them to exercise, confide in others, meditate, or adopt other relaxation practices. The best treatment option for your loved one depends largely on the depth of their drinking problem, the stability of their living situation, and any other health issues they may be facing. Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy.