How to Help an Alcoholic Friend

how to help a loved one with alcohol addiction

When you reach out to us, you’ll have a no-obligation conversation to verify your insurance and answer questions about treatment. Regardless of your situation, our team is here to help you find a treatment facility that can meet your needs. During this time, there are things that you can do to offer support. If you want a person with a substance use disorder to change, you will probably have to change too. If you show you are willing to try, your loved one will be more likely to try as well. There are a number of different treatment options that can be effective, so it is important to consider the options.

  • To be clear, it’s not always easy to make the decision to provide help with substance use or another type of addiction.
  • They can also help with syringe disposal, harm reduction counseling, health education, overdose prevention, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, and referrals to other services.
  • With patience and persistence from people who care, however, a person can eventually realize it’s time to get help for their alcohol use.
  • Alcohol use disorder, formerly known as alcoholism, is an addiction to alcohol.
  • Read on for some steps you can take to help your friend, family member, or loved one.
  • Keep your hopes up, as substance use disorder is known as a „good prognosis disorder” in that the majority of people can and do recover.

Step 4: Approach and listen with honesty and compassion

how to help a loved one with alcohol addiction

But when it comes to addiction, the person with the issue often struggles to see there’s an issue. You may need to join forces with others and take action through a formal intervention. Treating alcoholism isn’t easy, and it doesn’t always work the first time around. Often a person has been contemplating abstinence for some time, yet couldn’t get sober on their own.

Charles K. Post Addiction Treatment Center

how to help a loved one with alcohol addiction

People in recovery often feel isolated, misunderstood, or judged. Active listening—truly hearing them without offering https://ecosoberhouse.com/ advice or judgment—can be incredibly healing. When your loved one feels heard, they’re more likely to open up about their struggles and needs. This can also strengthen your relationship and help them feel less alone on their recovery journey. Comorbidity is the occurrence of two or more disorders or illnesses in the same person.

how to help a loved one with alcohol addiction

Denial is common, both for people struggling with addiction and for people who love them.

Call us today at to learn more about your insurance benefits. Public health vending machines provide 24/7 convenient and anonymous access to public health and wellness supplies. From 2000 to 2020, the number of overdose deaths in New York City more than tripled.

Underage Drinking

If you’ve been covering up for your loved one and not talking about their addiction openly for a long time, it may seem daunting to reach out for help. However, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the support you need as well. Lean on the people around you, and, if you need to, reach out to a mental health professional to speak about your stress and what you’re going through.

how to help a loved one with alcohol addiction

Margaret A. Stutzman Addiction Treatment Center

how to help a loved one with alcohol addiction

In most places, it’s legal and socially acceptable for an adult to enjoy an alcoholic drink. There’s no specific amount that indicates someone has an alcohol use disorder. Rather, it’s defined by how drinking affects your loved one’s life. Support from family members and friends can be an integral part of a successful recovery.

Stay in touch with personal joy.

  • Most bookstores also offer a wide selection of books about the chemistry of addiction and the science behind addiction treatment.
  • If the previous steps do not work, and the person continues to drink and not seek treatment, it may be time to stage an intervention.
  • Researching addiction’s impact on the brain, the withdrawal process, and the emotional challenges of recovery can help you relate to your loved one on a deeper level.
  • This requires integrated treatment, where both conditions are addressed simultaneously, along with their complicated interactions.
  • If someone in your life is refusing help, don’t take it personally — but more importantly, don’t give up on them.
  • It’s no surprise, then, that some families in the recovery process struggle with sleep.

Explain your concerns and make it clear that your worry comes from a place of love. An intervention gives your loved one a chance to make changes before things get even worse. You may also want to see if other family members and friends want to be involved.

Women for Sobriety – Organization dedicated to helping alcohol addiction help women overcome addictions. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Learn more about AA’s 12 steps and find a support meeting in your area. If you think it’s important to have someone involved but worry that it may create an issue during the intervention, consider having that person write a short letter. Fortunately, you can still be supportive without becoming a counselor or coach.