How do you help someone with alcohol addiction, often leaves you stressed and searching for answers from people or goggles. It can be hard to show concern when a loved one has an alcohol addiction. According to NIAAA, More than 14 million U.S. adults have an alcohol use disorder, and excessive drinking is linked to 95,000 deaths every year.
Sue Miller, in HealingUS podcast shares her inspiring journey through the challenges of alcoholism and her successes with honesty. She talks about feeling out of place, facing high expectations, and dealing with family issues and mental health struggles. Sue openly discusses the stigma around mental health and LGBTQIA+ topics. She also explains how alcohol can linger in your system and affect recovery, highlighting that getting the right support and mindset is important for managing these effects.
Alcohol use disorder can be mild or severe, and mild cases can get worse over time. Early treatment can help, but the person must choose to start their sobriety journey. You can still support them. Read on to learn how do you help someone with alcohol addiction and spot signs of problem drinking.
Sign to Identify Drinking Problems
It can be really tough to show concern when someone you love is struggling with drinking. Often, they may not even see it as a problem, even when they drink more than they mean to or find themselves unable to stop. This kind of denial can make recognizing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) challenging.
Some signs might indicate a drinking problem, such as:
- Drinking more than planned.
- Having intense urges to drink.
- Wanting to quit but feeling unable to.
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from it.
- Ignoring responsibilities at home, work, or school.
- Drinking in risky situations, like while driving.
- Keeping on drinking even when it’s hurting their health.
AUD isn’t just a matter of willpower; it’s a complex condition that affects the brain, making it hard to stop. Over time, their body can adapt, needing more alcohol to get the same effect. If they try to quit, withdrawal symptoms can make it very difficult, which often leads them to drink again.
How Do You Help Someone With Alcohol Addiction
Step 1: Lay the Foundation – Learn About Alcohol Use Disorder
Before you build anything, you need a solid foundation. Understand what alcohol use disorder (AUD) really is. It’s more than just over-drinking—it’s a serious struggle. Equip yourself with knowledge from resources like Al-Anon, Alcoholics Anonymous, or SAMHSA to support them better.
Step 2: Find the Right Words – Practice What You Want to Say
Think carefully about what you want to say. Use “I” statements so you don’t come across as blaming them. Instead of “You’re drinking too much,” try, “I care about you, and I’m worried about how much you’re drinking.” This way, they know you’re coming from a place of love.
Step 3: Choose the Right Moment – Timing Is Everything
Choose a calm moment when they’re not stressed or drinking. A quiet, private place will help ensure your words take root.
Step 4: Be a Mirror, Not a Hammer – Approach with Honesty and Compassion
When you talk, be like a mirror, showing them the reality with kindness rather than a hammer hitting them with the harsh truth. Tell them you’re worried and that you’re there to help. Even if they react defensively, stay calm and let them have their space—you’re here to reflect, not to shatter.
Step 5: Be the Bridge, Not the Savior – Offer Your Support
Remember, you can be the bridge that helps them reach a better place, but you can’t carry them across. Let them know you’re there, but the decision to get help is theirs. Encourage real action, not just promises, and try involving others if it feels right.
Step 6: The Last Push – Considering an Intervention
An intervention where loved ones come together can be that nudge to help them open up to treatment. It’s a big step ,involving a professional counsellor can make it more effective and less overwhelming.
What Not to Do When Helping Someone with Alcohol Use Disorder
- If you’re concerned about a loved one with alcohol use disorder, here are some things to avoid:
- Don’t threaten, bribe, or punish them for drinking. This can push them away and lead to secrecy.
- Avoid making excuses for their behavior. It creates a false sense of control and allows the problem to continue.
- Don’t make emotional appeals. This often leads to guilt and shame, which can worsen their addiction.
- Refrain from taking over their responsibilities. This can make them feel inadequate and give them more time to drink.
- Instead, focus on supportive communication and encourage professional help.
FAQs: How Do You Help Someone With Alcohol Addiction
Q: How Can I Encourage Someone to Seek Help for Alcohol Addiction?
A: Talk openly about your concerns. Share why you think they might benefit from getting help. Suggest resources like counseling or support groups. Offer to help them make an appointment or go with them.
Q: How to Stop a Person from Drinking Alcohol?
A: Suggest fun activities that don’t involve drinking. Share helpful resources, like Rethinking Drinking. Encourage them to go to counseling or group meetings. Offer to drive them to these meetings.
Q: How to Reduce Alcohol Dependence?
A: Space out your drinks during the day. Keep the amount you drink at the start and end stable. After a week, start cutting down slowly. Reduce by no more than 10% of your daily intake.
Q: How to Reduce Addiction?
A: When you feel an urge to use, try alternative activities. Go for a walk or call a friend. Stay busy until the urge passes. Be ready to handle triggers, like places where others are using.
Q: How Do You Help Someone With Alcohol Addiction?
A: Be supportive and understanding. Encourage them to seek help. Avoid judging or blaming. Celebrate their small successes and remind them they’re not alone.
How Relevance Recovery Can Help?
At Relevance Recovery, we’re dedicated to providing innovative solutions for alcohol addiction treatment, supported by a caring team of healthcare professionals. We have helped many individuals transform their lives through personalized programs and promoting well-being.
If you think someone may have an alcohol use disorder, it’s essential to seek help as soon as possible. We focus on ongoing care to ensure individuals receive guidance to prevent relapse and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
