Watching your friend, colleague, or family member with an alcohol addiction can be quite difficult. Probably, you are thinking how you can save the person or even reverse the situation. You are not even sure whether the person wants your help or not.
A person suffering from alcohol use disorder has both psychological and physical dependence on alcohol. It is possible the person has problems controlling his or her drinking habits or continues to drink no matter the harm it causes. This is likely to interfere with his or her social and professional relationships and even his or her health.
Alcoholism can range from mild level to severe level. The mild patterns can develop into serious issues over time. Thus, early intervention and treatment can help addicts. Although it is up the person to have the will to start his or her sobriety journey, you can easily help. We share some vital steps you should take to help your family member, partner, or friend.
Learn About Alcohol Addiction
Before taking any step, it is necessary to learn whether the person you want to help has alcohol use disorder or not. Ideally, addiction is more than just drinking a lot. Some people use alcohol as a social habit or coping mechanism and may appear as alcoholism, but it is quite different. People addicted to alcohol do not drink in moderation. You should learn more about alcohol addiction first.
Moreover, there are other additional resources about helping a person with alcohol use disorder. You can explore them to know more about alcohol addiction.
Practice
It is important to let the person know you are always available and you do care. Formulate statements that are supportive and positive. Always avoid being presumptuous, hurtful, or negative. If you have been an addict in the past, you will have a good opportunity to convince your loved one to seek addiction treatment.
Also, you need to be prepared for every possible response. Even if the response you get is not what you expect, it is important to stay calm and ensure you have support and respect.
Pick the Right Place and Time
Ensure you choose appropriate time and place to have this conversation. The place should have the much-needed privacy and quiet. Moreover, it should be free of interruptions to ensure both of you have the attention of each other. Ensure you choose a time when your loved one is not preoccupied with other things or upset.
Listen with Compassion and Honesty
When discussing the issue with a person addicted to alcohol, you should be honest and open with him or her. Just hoping that the person will change on his or her own will not change the situation.
You should let your loved know that you are concerned about his or her drinking habits. However, it is important to know that you are very supportive. Remember that the person can be in denial and may react negatively to your attempts.
Intervene
Intervention is quite different from approaching a person to raise your concerns. It involves sharing, planning, and presenting available treatment options.