20+ Years Experience
Specialist Inpatient Rehabilitiation
Helping a loved one with alcohol addiction can be an emotionally challenging experience.
What if there was a way to approach this issue with understanding, knowledge, and compassion?
In this blog post, we guide you through the process of recognising alcohol abuse, approaching your loved one, and supporting their recovery while taking care of your own well-being.
Together, let’s explore the journey of how to help an alcoholic towards a healthier, happier future for you and your loved one.
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol dependence, is a condition characterised by unhealthy drinking habits that can affect not only the individual consuming it but also their family and close associates.
Recognising the signs of alcohol abuse is a crucial first step in helping your loved one.
These signs may include a decrease in enthusiasm for activities, risky behaviours such as driving under the influence, and financial difficulties associated with alcohol problems.
Another important aspect of recognising alcohol addiction is understanding the difference between casual drinking and problematic alcohol consumption.
Binge drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are considered unhealthy alcohol use, which can have negative consequences not only for the individual but also for other family members.
By identifying unhealthy drinking patterns and understanding AUD, you can better assess your loved one’s situation and provide the appropriate support.
To speak to our team regarding how to help an alcoholic, please complete our contact form today.
Drug use disorder and alcohol use disorder are considered unhealthy types of drug and alcohol consumption.
Some indications of alcohol abuse may include consuming more than intended, having the urge to drink, and difficulty controlling drinking.
In adolescents, excessive consumption of drinking alcohol, which can be a form of alcohol abuse, may lead to increased risky behaviour, long-term health implications, and an increased likelihood of developing an alcohol use disorder.
To prevent these consequences, it’s crucial to stop drinking excessively and seek help if needed.
Recognising a loved one’s drinking problem is the initial step in assisting them with their drinking problem.
If you suspect your child or another family member has an alcohol use disorder, it is recommended to seek outside help.
By identifying unhealthy drinking patterns early on, you can intervene and potentially prevent the progression of alcohol addiction in your loved one.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterised by the impact that the consumption of alcohol has on one’s life. Indications of AUD include dependence, high tolerance, and a lack of control.
Someone suffering from AUD may abruptly demonstrate mood changes, hostility, and other adverse emotions.
Although there is no cure for AUD, it is treatable and can be effectively managed.
Support group therapy and resources are available for individuals who are experiencing difficulty with alcohol misuse and addiction.
Obtaining professional treatment is the most essential step an individual with AUD can take.
By understanding AUD and its consequences, you can provide informed support to your loved one during their recovery journey.
Having a conversation with a beloved one about their drinking is necessary to express worries and provide assistance.
It is advised that you research all the available treatments and self-help options before initiating a conversation about their alcohol use.
Be patient yet persistent when discussing your loved one’s alcohol problem, as they may exhibit a range of emotions such as shame, fear, anger, and self-blame.
When choosing the right time to discuss a loved one’s alcohol use, it is advisable to select a time when they are not inebriated or suffering from a hangover.
Keep in mind that you may get a negative reaction when discussing an individual’s drinking habits. This may include:
It is essential to maintain an understanding and non-judgmental attitude throughout the conversation, as this will create a safe space for your loved one to open up about their struggles with alcohol.
It is suggested to have a candid discussion with your loved one regarding your apprehensions about their alcohol use.
In order to create a safe and supportive environment for this conversation, acknowledge the issue and gain familiarity with a novel method of conveying why abstaining from alcohol is preferred.
By being prepared and choosing the right time and setting, you increase the chances of having a successful and meaningful conversation with your loved one about their drinking habits.
During the conversation, pay close attention to your loved one’s feelings and reactions.
Be prepared for a range of emotions and responses, and try to remain calm and understanding throughout the discussion.
By approaching the conversation with empathy and compassion, you can create a safe space for your loved one to open up about their struggles with alcohol.
Showing empathy and understanding while offering assistance and resources can help your loved one overcome their addiction.
You can assist them in:
It is important to remember that recovery is an ongoing process, and your loved one will require your continued support throughout their journey.
In addition to providing emotional support, it is essential to help your loved one develop healthy coping skills and strategies to manage their alcohol cravings.
Some activities that can help them manage stress and reduce the desire to drink include:
Encourage them to engage in these activities to support their recovery journey.
Enabling behaviours can impede your loved one from obtaining treatment for their drinking problem.
To avoid enabling behaviours, it is important to establish boundaries and refrain from actions that may facilitate their addiction, such as providing financial support or making excuses for their irresponsible behaviour.
One of the most effective ways to avoid enabling behaviours is to keep alcohol out of the home.
This can help deter the temptation of consuming alcohol and establish a secure environment for your loved one and those close to you.
By setting clear boundaries and avoiding enabling behaviours, you can better support your loved one in their recovery journey.
Researching various treatment methods and resources available can help your loved one make an informed decision about their recovery.
Treatments for alcohol abuse include:
It is important to gather information regarding local Alcohol Use Disorder rehabilitation facilities before discussing treatment options with your loved one.
When helping your loved one select an appropriate rehabilitation centre, you may contact various organisations and treatment centres for assistance.
Local resources, such as our alcohol detox, addiction and rehab pages, can provide valuable information and support.
By exploring treatments together, you can empower your loved one to take control of their recovery journey.
It is important to note that inpatient rehab offers more intensive treatment. This is often used for people that are drinking too much and have a severe addiction.
Inpatient programs offer the following benefits:
On the other hand, outpatient programs enable individuals to remain at home and attend work or school while obtaining treatment, offering more flexibility and usually being more economical than inpatient programs.
When selecting an addiction treatment plan, you should take into account factors such as:
By understanding the differences between inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, you can help your loved one determine the best option for their recovery journey.
To help your loved one find the support they need, compile a list of local rehab centres and other resources.
Some resources available to those seeking assistance with alcohol use disorders include:
By providing your loved one with a list of local resources, you empower them with the tools they need to take control of their recovery journey.
With the right support and resources, your loved one can make informed decisions about their treatment and recovery process.
Providing ongoing, encouraging support is essential for your loved one to avoid a relapse into a full-blown addiction.
Recovery from alcohol use disorders is often an irregular journey, and it is not uncommon for individuals to require treatment more than once to eventually attain sobriety.
Here are some ways you can support their recovery.
By following these steps, you can help your loved one on their journey to recovery.
Relapse may be a potential element of your loved one’s recovery, with an estimated 66% of those who receive treatment for an alcohol use disorder experiencing relapse at some point in their lives.
It is important to be prepared for the possibility of relapse and to assist your loved one in locating the most suitable treatment option if it occurs.
Fostering a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management, can assist in an alcoholic’s recovery.
Encourage your loved one to engage in activities that promote their physical and mental well-being, such as:
By promoting a healthy lifestyle, you can help your loved one build a strong foundation for their recovery.
In addition to encouraging healthy habits, it is essential to help your loved one develop a strong support system.
A strong support system is essential to long-term recovery, as the motivation for recovery is dependent on the encouragement and support provided by those around them.
By surrounding your loved one with positive influences and encouraging healthy habits, you can provide them with the tools they need to maintain their sobriety.
Relapse triggers can include:
A variety of elements may influence an individual’s chance of relapse, including people, places, situations, and things.
By taking prompt action, cultivating self-awareness, recognising external triggers, utilising healthy coping mechanisms, and heeding one’s instincts, your loved one can better recognise and respond to relapse triggers.
Continued, beneficial support is essential to aid your loved one in circumventing a relapse into a full-blown addiction.
By helping your loved one identify potential relapse triggers and develop strategies to cope with them effectively, you can support them in maintaining their sobriety and preventing relapse.
Caring for a loved one with alcohol addiction can be an emotionally and physically exhausting experience.
It is essential that you take care of yourself and acquire the necessary resources to assist the alcoholic.
By prioritising your own well-being, establishing limits, and seeking treatment and support from those close to you, you can better manage the challenges of caring for an alcoholic.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
There are support groups, such as Al-Anon, and therapists experienced in addiction who can provide assistance and direction. These groups allow alcoholics to have an honest conversation about their drinking habits without judgement.
Other resources, such as a virtual group meeting, can also be beneficial in helping you cope with the challenges of caring for a loved one struggling with alcoholism.
Reach out to support groups, therapists, or other resources to help you cope with the challenges of caring for someone with alcohol addiction.
Al-Anon meetings, individual therapy or counselling, and a support group can offer a safe space for you to share your experiences and gain strength and hope from the stories of others who are familiar with the challenges of caring for a loved one with alcohol addiction.
By seeking support from the mental health services administration, you can better manage your own mental and emotional well-being while providing the necessary care and assistance for your loved one.
Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as helping your loved one in their recovery journey.
To help someone who can’t stop drinking, you should offer treatment resources and practical support.
Open the lines of communication and be ready with concrete examples of why you think there may be a problem.
Be supportive and help your loved one relieve stress.
Detoxification is the first step in treating alcoholism.
This should always be done under professional medical care due to potentially severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
People can be classified into four types of drinkers: enhancement, coping, social, and conformity.
Each type of drinker is motivated by either increasing positive emotions or decreasing negative ones.
Acknowledging you have a drinking problem is the first step to treating alcoholism.
From there, seek out help from your doctor and look into treatment plans and cutting down on your drinking.
Set goals for your future and take control of your addiction.
Alcoholism is a medical condition characterised by an inability to control alcohol consumption despite potentially negative consequences.
It is a chronic and progressive disorder that can have serious physical, psychological, and social consequences.
In conclusion, helping a loved one with alcohol addiction can be a challenging but rewarding journey.
You can make major life changes in your loved one’s life by:
For more information on how to help an alcoholic, please speak to a member of our team today.
We can offer advice on the steps you can take when it comes to helping those suffering from alcohol and substance abuse.
There are a range of other services that we can provide. Have a look at the list below for more information:
We Aim To Reply To All Enquiries With-in 24-Hours