Alcoholism does not occur in a vacuum. In fact, it has been said that for every alcoholic, at least five other people in contact with them also suffer. This includes parents, spouses, children, and friends. If you are one of those five people that know how true this statement is, you may wonder how to help an alcoholic. What can you do to try to get your friend or family member back to a sober life? Read on to find out how to get alcohol addiction treatment for your loved one.
Educate
In learning how to help an alcoholic, you need to understand what addiction is. Make a point of learning all you can about how a person gets addicted, what is likely going through their life now, and what sobering up will entail. Once you thoroughly understand the nature of alcohol abuse, you can better help.
Practice Your Approach
You will need to find the best time and way to approach your loved one. As you plan on how to help an alcoholic, remind yourself that you need to stay calm and be prepared for the possibility the person will lash out in anger. Plan your approach when they are not drinking and are not stressed for better reception.
Express Your Concern
Reassure your loved one that you are not judging and you are not doing this to make their life harder. You are doing this because you love them and care about what happens. Start by telling them your concern and then explaining why you are concerned. Be prepared with examples that can explain the reasons.
Be Prepared with Information
Have information on rehab programs that are available and be prepared to call for an intake evaluation immediately if your loved one agrees. Waiting may give them time to change their mind as doubts and fear kick in.
Have A Plan If They Push You Away
Know what you will do if they refuse to get help. Let them know if you can’t take it any longer in order to maintain your own sanity. Don’t threaten, yell, or otherwise get into an argument. Simply state what your plan of action is and make sure you are willing to follow through with that. Sometimes you have to resolve to allow them to experience the consequences of their actions even if it may be difficult to walk away or watch.
Don’t Make Excuses
Telling yourself that your loved one will stop drinking when there is less stress, or they find another job, or you move to another, location, or any of those things is not how to help an alcoholic. They continue drinking because they are addicted to alcohol. That is the bottom line.
Take Care of Yourself
In the meantime, make sure you take care of yourself. Join an addiction support group. Find activities that take you away from the current situation and make friends that aren’t part of the alcoholic’s life. Exercise, eat right, and sleep regularly. Stop feeling responsible for your loved ones drinking consequences. You may want to be there to support them, but sometimes letting them go until they are ready to take that step is the best you do.
Get Help From Bayview Recovery
The more support you have when you learn how to help an alcoholic, the better the chance of success. Contacting a rehab center like Bayview Recovery Center will help you become more educated on the subject. We can provide you with information on our program, help you talk with your loved one, and be here to help you both get through detox and the start of your healing journey. Don’t wait any longer to reach out. Call 855.478.3650 to speak to an addiction specialist. One day soon, you may be the one that can tell someone else how to help an alcoholic.
