How to Help an Alcoholic: A Guide for Family Members

Alcohol is widespread in Australia, and drinking has become a habit for many people. When someone gets home from work, they may have a beer to relax. They may pair their meal with wine if they go out to dinner. If they’re celebrating a special occasion, they may pop a bottle of champagne. Drinking isn’t just accepted; it’s normalised. Most people drink in moderation, and even the occasional bout of binge drinking is fine.

However, drinking can become a problem when someone develops an alcohol dependence. Many people have a friend or family member struggling with alcohol dependency. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of interventions available in treatment centres such as Sivana Bali to help an alcoholic overcome this condition and achieve long-term sobriety. 

How Do You Start To Help An Alcoholic?

Begin with encouragement. However, not all family members possess the patience or competence to converse easily without judgement. Before highlighting an approach or providing tips that can be used, it is worthwhile taking a moment to understand alcohol use disorder and how to recognise a problem.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), more commonly known as alcohol addiction or alcoholism, is a condition in which someone is physically and mentally dependent on alcohol to the extent that it affects their important areas of life, such as personal, social, academic, or occupational.

Like many other addictions, it’s not fully understood what causes a person to develop alcoholism. However, it’s believed that a combination of environmental, biological, and genetic factors all play a role in addiction.

Data from research and clinical practices show that people with alcohol addiction are treatable using a combination of therapies, medications, and support groups, which can help people to develop coping strategies to manage their cravings without becoming dependent on drinking.

Signs of Alcoholism

Before you talk to a loved one about their drinking, it’s important to remember that while some people may drink excessively, that doesn’t mean that they’re an alcoholic. 

One of the telltale signs that someone is an alcoholic is if they can’t stop or even cut back on their drinking despite their desire to do so. They also tend to continue their drinking habit even though they’re experiencing negative consequences related to family, work, and overall health. In some cases, someone who is an alcoholic gets into trouble, either with the law or with other people. 

It’s also a major sign when you notice that your loved one develops alcohol tolerance and experiences symptoms of alcohol withdrawal when they attempt to reduce or stop drinking.

How to Talk to Alcoholics About Drinking Problems?

One of the first things that you have to do after you’ve determined that someone you know has alcohol misuse is to talk to them about it. But you can’t just approach them and start talking to them about their drinking. You have to optimise the chances that they’ll listen to what you have to say. Here are some suggested tips on how to prepare for that conversation:

Practice What To Say

Before talking to a friend or loved one, review what you must say. Ensure you convey to them that you will help the person and support them in their recovery and let them feel that you care about them. Blaming and attempting to find fault is unimportant because the objective is encouraging them to be open to treatment.

Pick The Right Time and Place

If you’re going to talk to someone who is an alcoholic, then you need to do it while they are sober so they can understand and process your point. You need to make sure you’ll talk to them privately so you won’t be interrupted and can keep it confidential.

Do Not Judge

When you have a conversation with your loved one about their drinking, do not get judgemental. Many of them can become defensive about their condition. Tell them that you’re worried about how much they’re drinking rather than telling them that they’re drinking too much.

Listen to Them

Remember that conversations go both ways when talking to a loved one. Don’t just talk at them; listen to them. Let them say what they need to say without interrupting or judging them. Many problem drinkers can feel defensive or ashamed of their addiction, so let them speak and validate their feelings.

How to Help an Alcoholic

There are many ways that you can help someone overcome their drinking problem. These may include:

Educate Yourself About The Treatment

One of the first things that you can do to help an alcoholic loved one is to look up treatment options for alcohol dependency and learn about intervention programmes such as detox, residential rehab, outpatient programmes, and therapies. 

Discourage Alcohol Use

One of the most important things you can do to help a loved one who drinks too much is not to enable their habit. This means that you don’t lend them money to buy alcohol. Enabling them will only hinder their treatment, and there are times when you have to let them feel the consequences of their unhealthy drinking.

Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries with an alcoholic loved one is important for protecting your well-being while encouraging healthier dynamics. Communicate clearly what behaviours you will and won’t accept, such as refusing to cover for them, lending money, or tolerating aggressive behaviour. You must stick to your boundaries consistently and reinforce them with calm but firm responses. Prioritise your emotional and physical health by avoiding enabling behaviours and seeking support from trusted friends, therapy, or support groups like Al-Anon.

Be Supportive If There’s a Relapse

Long-term recovery from a drinking problem is not a straight line. It’s often the case that people slip up and relapse. This can be especially true with alcohol and drug use problems, given how easily accessible these substances are.

When your loved one relapses, it doesn’t mean that the treatment isn’t working or that they’re not trying. It doesn’t mean they’re back where they started; it just means they’ve taken a step back.

How Can I Help Someone Who Is In Denial?

Some people with alcohol abuse genuinely believe they have control over their drinking and they can quit whenever they choose. However, even those who recognise their struggles may still be in denial and avoid the reality of how alcohol is affecting their life and relationships. 

If you’re trying to help them find the right path, but they’re not ready to admit they need help, one of the most effective ways is by seeking guidance from a professional. They can provide insights on communicating with them without pushing them too hard and discuss the right treatment option for their condition.

It’s important to remember that you cannot force someone into recovery if they aren’t ready. While you can express your concerns and encourage healthier decisions, their path to sobriety is ultimately their choice. The best thing you can do is be patient, offer support, and let them know help is available when they’re ready. 

Begin Your Recovery With Us

Helping someone with an alcohol problem isn’t easy, but your support can be a lifeline. Remember that your encouragement, patience, and assistance in accessing health services and resources can make a real difference. 

Start by having an open conversation with them, setting healthy boundaries, and guiding them toward professional help from Sivana Bali.

You and your loved one deserve a life free from the distress of alcohol addiction.