Author: Alex Thompson
The Most Important Things You Can Do To Help an Alcoholic
Intoxication can also present other unpredictable events, including physical dangers. When under the influence, your loved one may become angry and lash out. They likely don’t even realize they’re behaving this way, and they may not remember once the effects of the alcohol wear off.
But while you can’t do the hard work of overcoming addiction for your loved one, your love and support can play a crucial part in their long-term recovery. When you’re craving alcohol, there’s a tendency to remember the positive effects of drinking and forget the negatives. Remind yourself of the adverse long-term effects of heavy drinking and how it won’t really make you feel better, even in the short term.
Coping with alcohol withdrawal symptoms safely
Make meetings a priority – Join a recovery support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and attend meetings regularly. Spending time with people who understand exactly what you’re going through can be very healing. You can also benefit from the shared experiences of the group members and learn what others have done to stay sober.
It’s important that the person get back on track and resume treatment. Alcohol addiction can show itself in a variety of ways. The severity of the disease, how often someone drinks, and the alcohol they consume varies from person to person. Some people drink heavily all day, while others binge drink and then stay sober for a while. You’re likely to start by seeing your primary health care provider. If your provider suspects that you have a problem with alcohol, you may be referred to a mental health provider.
Build a sober social network – If your previous social life revolved around alcohol, you may need to make some new connections. It’s important to have sober friends who will support your recovery. Try taking a class, joining a church or a civic group, volunteering, or attending events in your community.
Tips for living with a person recovering from alcohol addiction
Children may no longer be able to rely on the adult with AUD, which can place undue pressures on them. They might also be at risk for other forms of physical and emotional violence. Having someone intoxicated on a consistent basis can be stressful and cause anxiety over what’s going to happen next. You might feel guilty about the situation, eventually leading to depression. Your loved one’s addiction might also start taking a financial toll. Finding the right way to approach someone you think may have an alcohol use disorder can be tough.
- Please donate today to help us save, support, and change lives.
- Try to remain neutral and don’t argue, lecture, accuse, or threaten.
- Make sure your person is not upset or preoccupied with other issues.
- Your friend or loved one may also vow to cut back on their own.
- Try to commit to at least two days each week when you won’t drink at all.
- Genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior.
Take the assessment and get matched with a professional, licensed therapist. When you drink, sip slowly and take a break of 30 minutes or one hour between drinks. Or drink soda, water, or juice between alcoholic drinks. Drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea, so make sure you eat food when you drink.
What is considered 1 drink?
You can help by offering unconditional support, including abstaining from drinking yourself. When your loved one drinks or is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, their mood can become unpredictable. They might be friendly one moment, only to become angry and violent the next. According to the Foundations Recovery Network, up to two-thirds of cases of alcohol-related violence occur in close interpersonal relationships.
Therapy is useful to help teach someone how to manage the stress of recovery and the skills needed to prevent a relapse. Also, a healthy diet can help undo damage alcohol may have done to the person’s health, like weight gain or loss. Unlike cocaine or heroin, alcohol is widely available and accepted in many cultures. It’s often at the center of social situations and closely linked to celebrations and enjoyment. Caring about someone with an alcohol addiction can lead to worry and sleepless nights.
Plan for triggers and cravings
Celebrate if a friend or loved one with an addiction takes a step toward rehabilitation … but don’t be surprised by a stumble. Relapse rates are common among those who seek treatment for an addiction. Talking to an addiction counselor can help you better understand the situation and work through your feelings. Programs like Al-anon, Alateen and Families Anonymous offer opportunities for emotional support. Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges.
Examples of alcohol treatment programs
If identified and treated early, someone with an alcohol addiction may be able to avoid major consequences of the disease. Take an honest look at how often and how much you drink. Be prepared to discuss any problems that alcohol may be causing. You may want to take a family member or friend along, if possible. Coping with someone addicted to alcohol isn’t easy. It can test your patience and shatter your feelings.
Make it clear that drinking will not be allowed in your home and that you may not be able to attend events where alcohol is being served. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. She’s also currently working on her dissertation, which explores intersections of disability studies and literacy studies.
Offer to help out with work, childcare, and household tasks if they get in the way of treatment sessions. Ultimately, sobriety is the responsibility of the person who has the alcohol addiction. It’s important to not enable destructive behaviors and to maintain appropriate boundaries if the person with the alcohol addiction is still drinking.