Supporting a loved one with alcoholism could include anything from setting boundaries to finding professional help. However, the most important thing is to be accepting and nonjudgmental.
Recognizing the Signs of an Alcohol Problem
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a serious condition that can harm a person’s health, relationships, and overall well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s important to be aware of the signs of an alcohol problem.
Some common indicators of an alcohol problem include:
- Drinking more or longer than intended
- Difficulty controlling or reducing alcohol consumption
- Strong cravings or urges to drink
- Spending a significant amount of time drinking or recovering from drinking
- Neglecting responsibilities or hobbies due to drinking
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
- Tolerance, need to drink more to achieve the same effect
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help. Addiction is a treatable condition, and many resources are available to support those struggling.
How to Talk to a Loved One About Their Drinking
You can do a wide range of things to facilitate talking with a loved one about their alcohol-related problems and potentially getting treatment for alcohol use. Below are some simple ways to make the process easier and more effective.
Give Them Details About Why You Feel There’s A Problem
Be specific about the behavior or actions you believe are related to their drinking and how it affects you and others.
Avoid Judgment
Speak from a place of concern, not criticism.
Avoid Any Ultimatums
Avoid ultimatums, as they may lead to defensiveness.
Expect Resistance
Be prepared for resistance and have patience.
Refuse To Enable
Make sure to set boundaries and refuse to enable their behavior.
Offer Resources For Recovery
Offer resources such as support groups or rehab facilities, and be willing to help them find the right solution.
How Alcohol Abuse Affects Family and Friends
Alcohol abuse can significantly impact the loved ones of the person struggling with addiction. Family members and friends may experience various emotions, including fear, anger, and sadness. They may also feel a sense of shame, guilt, or helplessness.
The effects of alcohol abuse on family and friends can include:
- Financial strain due to the cost of alcohol or the person’s inability to hold down a job
- Emotional stress caused by the person’s behavior when drinking, such as verbal or physical abuse
- Difficulty trusting the person who is struggling with addiction
- Damage to relationships and communication breakdown
- Anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems
- Children may suffer neglect or abuse
In addition, it’s important for loved ones to seek support for themselves and to set healthy boundaries with the person struggling with addiction.
How to Support a Loved One Struggling with Alcoholism
It can be challenging to support a loved one struggling with alcohol use disorder. Still, that support is no less vital to their recovery. Here are some ways to support a loved one who is struggling with addiction:
Don’t Drink Around The Person
Seeing others drink can be a trigger for someone in recovery, so it’s best to avoid drinking around them.
Do Not Enable Them
Enabling behavior, such as buying alcohol for them or covering up their mistakes, can prolong their addiction. Set healthy boundaries and refuse to enable their behavior.
Continue To Offer Support Throughout Their Recovery
Recovery is a long-term process; your loved one will need support throughout their journey. Be there for them, whether it’s listening to them, going to meetings with them, or simply being a sounding board.
Educate Yourself
Learn about alcoholism and addiction, and understand the challenges your loved one is facing. This will help you better understand their struggles and how to support them.
Encourage Them To Seek Professional Help
Offer to help them find a therapist or rehab facility. Please support them in seeking the help they need.
Be Patient
Recovery is a process that can be difficult for both the person struggling with addiction and their loved ones. Be patient with your loved one and understand that it will take time for them to overcome their addiction.
Take Care Of Yourself
Supporting a loved one through addiction can be emotionally taxing, so taking care of yourself is crucial. Seek support from friends or a therapist if you need it.
Can People with Alcoholism Recover?
Yes, people with alcoholism can recover. Addiction is a treatable condition, and with the proper support and resources, individuals can overcome their addiction and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Recovery from alcoholism involves addressing both the physical and mental aspects of addiction. Detox is needed to manage withdrawal symptoms and discomfort from quitting alcohol. Therapy or counseling can address underlying mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Support groups can provide ongoing encouragement and guidance once treatment has ended.
It is important to note that recovery is a continuous journey, and relapses can happen. However, with the proper support and resources, individuals can regain control of their lives and maintain sobriety.
It’s also important to note that addressing any co-occurring mental health conditions is crucial for the successful recovery from alcoholism. A comprehensive approach that addresses addiction and the underlying mental health issues is the most effective way to sustain recovery.
Agape Treatment Center Can Help
Agape Treatment Center provides comprehensive treatment for individuals struggling with alcoholism. Our programs include individual and group therapy, family therapy, and alternative therapies such as meditation. The center also provides support for co-occurring mental health conditions.
Our program aims to help individuals overcome addiction and provide them with the tools and resources they need to maintain long-term recovery. They can participate in helping to create an individual treatment plan covering not only the initial detox stage but the ongoing efforts to maintain sobriety.
Stephanie Catalano is an accomplished Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. With a Master of Social Work degree, LCSW license, and extensive training in Rapid Resolution Therapy under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her unique combination of education and experience allows her to provide exceptional care to clients and lead her team with confidence. Stephanie’s joy comes from witnessing the moments when her patients creatively connect the dots and bravely move toward reclaiming their power. Her purpose is to help individuals understand their past so they can create a future full of hope, growth, and success. Stephanie attributes a large portion of her success to the supportive culture and strong sense of community fostered by the Agape team.
