How to Help an Alcoholic
When someone you care about is battling alcohol addiction, it can be one of the most heartbreaking things for us to witness. Whether it’s our friend, partner, or family member, watching our loved one spiral because of an alcohol use problem can leave us feeling helpless, frustrated, and overwhelmed.
But don’t lose hope; recovery is possible. Just remember that helping an alcoholic takes more than good intentions; it requires our understanding, patience, and open heart and mind. If you’re here to search for ways to help a loved one find healing, you’re already taking the first step.
In this blog post, our experts from Twilight Recovery are here to share with you some of the things you can do to help and support someone who is struggling with alcohol addiction.
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder, is a chronic brain disease that makes it difficult for us to control or stop drinking despite the negative consequences associated with it. It’s a condition that affects our decision-making, ways of thinking, behaviors, and even emotion regulation.
If you or someone you know is struggling with this type of addiction, alcohol may become your way to numb pain, cope with trauma, and deal with anxiety. However, as time goes by, your relationship with alcohol can take over and may affect your health, relationships, and ability to function.
How to Help an Alcoholic Loved One
Many of us are typically unsure of what to say, how to act, or whether we’re doing the right things to help our alcoholic loved one. Every journey is different, and they may need various approaches that fit their specific needs. Nevertheless, here are some of the common ways on how you can begin helping them:
Learn About Alcoholism
The first step in helping your loved one is to learn about their condition. Alcoholism or alcohol addiction is complex because it changes how our brain responds to pleasure and stress, which you may not be familiar with. Therefore, you need to read and learn about the condition and how it can be treated.
The more you understand, the more patient and grounded you’ll be when things get difficult. Ultimately, being informed gives you the strength to help your loved one with clarity and care.
Find the Right Time to Talk
You might feel the urge to confront your loved one when something goes wrong with them. However, choosing the right time to talk to them can make a difference. It’s recommended that you find a quiet moment and be gentle when speaking with them.
For example, you can start by saying something like, ‘I’ve been really worried about you lately, and I want to understand what you’re going through.’ It’s important to note that this isn’t about forcing them to stop drinking right away; it’s about opening the door to an honest conversation.
Be Non-Judgmental
There is no doubt that alcoholism grows in silence and shame. If your loved one feels judged or attacked, they may retreat further into their addiction. Instead of lecturing or blaming them, try listening, as it allows them to talk about their struggles, even if you don’t fully understand them. The goal is to help someone or your loved one feel seen and not scolded.
Encourage Professional Help
Addiction is not a simple condition that can be easily treated at home. Recovery from it often requires professional help. Hence, it’s recommended that you encourage your loved one to seek treatment from experts to help them overcome addiction safely and effectively.
For instance, you might offer to research the best treatment options or accompany them to their appointment. Remember that your encouragement and presence can ease the fear and help your loved one take the first step.
You can also tell them to consider attending a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Al-Anon, where they can come together to share their stories and find strength in the community.
Take Care of Yourself
Helping your alcoholic loved one can be emotionally draining and exhausting at the same time. It’s easy to lose yourself as you constantly worry, monitor, and even rescue them. However, if you neglect your own needs, you’ll quickly burn out.
One of the things you can do to start taking care of yourself, too, is to set boundaries. It’s okay to say no. You can still love your alcoholic family member while protecting your well-being. In addition, you can also do some activities that can give you a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment to combat the stress brought on by your loved one’s condition.
Be Patient and Stay Optimistic
Recovery is not always linear and straightforward; your loved one may experience a relapse along the way. It’s important to remember that relapse is not a sign of ineffective treatment; it means that things need improvement to achieve long-term recovery.
As long as you support and provide professional guidance, your loved one can easily get back on track and continue forward.
What Causes Drinking Problems?
There is a wide range of reasons why some people develop drinking problems. While alcohol use in moderation is normal, some people may excessively consume alcohol to the extent that it reaches the level of addiction.
Data from research and clinical practice show that drinking problems are typically caused by biological factors, childhood trauma, unresolved grief, untreated mental illness, and even ongoing stress. For instance, many people with alcohol addiction shared that they consume alcohol to deal with present problems and escape negative emotions.
Negative Consequences of Alcohol Use
Excessive alcohol consumption can impact every aspect of an individual’s life. Some of these negative consequences may include but are not limited to:
Mental Health Challenges
Alcohol can worsen your loved one’s anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, and vice versa. Some people are struggling with co-occurring disorders where they have both alcohol addiction and mental illness.
Physical Health Problems
Chronic alcohol use can also take a serious toll on the body. Particularly, it can damage the liver, heart, and brain, increase the risk of cancer, and weaken the immune system. These health issues don’t always show up right away, but over time, they can become life-threatening.
Relationship Problems
Alcohol use problems can slowly destroy trust and relationships. When these foundations are eroded, there’s a high tendency for the relationships not to work the way they used to.
Financial Struggles
The cost of alcohol, combined with neglected work responsibilities and medical bills, can quickly spiral into financial instability. If your loved one is struggling with monetary resources, it could be another sign that their alcohol use is taking over more than just their health.
Legal Issues
Driving under the influence of alcohol, arrests, or other legal consequences are unfortunately common among people with alcohol drinking problems. These situations are serious, and helping your loved one seek help early can prevent further damage.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options
While alcohol addiction is a complex condition, it can be treated. Many people start with medical detox where professionals help them manage withdrawal symptoms safely. After detox, residential treatment may be recommended as it offers a structured and supportive environment where your loved one can focus entirely on their healing journey.
Others may find success in outpatient programs that allow them to stay at home while receiving therapy and participating in a support group. Some of the most commonly used therapies for alcohol addiction are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Get Help and Begin Your Rehab at Twilight Recovery
We understand that seeing your loved one struggle with alcohol addiction is not easy. We know how much time, effort, patience, and understanding you have extended to help them overcome addiction.
If you’re considering a treatment center where you can refer your loved one to begin their recovery journey, Twilight Recovery is a good place to start. Our programs combine evidence-based care with holistic therapies to support mind, body, and soul.
Remember that alcohol addiction is treatable with your support and the right guidance from our compassionate experts.