Watching someone you care about struggle with alcohol addiction can be incredibly painful, especially when it’s a close friend or family member. While there are many different paths to recovery, they may need encouragement and support to take that first step.
That’s where you come in. In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways to help a loved one facing alcohol addiction, including how to recognize the signs, how to start an honest conversation, and what treatment options are available.
Keep in mind, this information is not a replacement for professional help. For a proper diagnosis and support plan, it’s important that your loved one speaks with a licensed drug and alcohol counselor or addiction specialist.
Know The Signs of an Alcohol Addiction
You shouldn’t approach a loved one about their addiction without fully understanding it. Knowing the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction is important before taking action and can help you better empathize with their circumstances. A few signs of an alcohol addiction you should be mindful of include:
- Regularly consuming alcohol to cope with stress or difficult emotions may signal a deeper issue tied to substance abuse. People struggling with addiction might feel a constant urge to drink, even when it negatively affects their relationships, job, or health.
- Changes in behavior, such as secrecy, irritability, or withdrawing from family and community activities, can indicate growing dependence. A physical examination might reveal early liver damage or other symptoms linked to chronic alcohol use, such as nausea, sleep disruption, or persistent hangovers.
- Escalating to binge drinking sessions or drinking alone increases the risk of alcohol addiction. Delirium tremens, a severe withdrawal condition, and frequent vomiting or headaches after drinking are critical signs that professional help is needed.
Plan to Speak With Them
Addictions are a challenging and difficult subject to talk about, which is why preparing in advance is of utmost importance. Not everyone with an alcohol addiction is willing to be open to discussing it, meaning you should have a plan in place to guide your conversation. Before speaking with your loved one, consider:
- Begin the conversation with empathy and compassion, avoiding blame or shame. Understanding how to help an alcoholic starts with recognizing the problem is not a moral failing.
- Stay calm if the person responds with anger or denial, and focus on keeping the conversation centered around their well-being and goals.
- A parent or friend can play a powerful role by offering support without judgment. Offering credible information shows that recovery paths are available and varied.
Find Treatment Options
After you’ve spoken with someone about their addiction, one of the next things you can do to help them is support their recovery. There are a variety of addiction treatment programs and options available to those who wish to walk the road to recovery. Here are a few of them to consider:
- Some treatments include therapy, medication-assisted treatment, or structured programs at a clinic focused on addiction recovery. Patients may benefit from peer support and programs that strengthen physical fitness and mental health.
- Some addiction treatment programs include strategies like meditation and coping techniques that can help manage mood swings and prevent relapse.
- Finding a local Alcoholics Anonymous meeting group is another possible option. At Alcoholics Anonymous, your loved one can speak with others who are struggling with the same pain and learn from shared experiences.
If You Know Someone With a Substance Abuse Addiction, Solstice Counseling & Wellness Center Can Help
At Solstice Counseling & Wellness Center, we offer alcoholism treatment services and intensive outpatient programs in New Jersey at our welcoming and supportive clinic. Our team of licensed counselors and treatment professionals is here to help your loved one walk toward a brighter future and overcome their addictions. Call us today to schedule an appointment!