Having an Addiction Means You Lack Willpower

Living with an Alcoholic in Denial: 6 Effective Ways

If you are reading this, you might need to acknowledge that being under the same roof as an alcoholic or substance abuser is not going to work.

It can be frustrating when the alcoholic is in denial about their condition. Them refusing their problem, downplaying drinking or thinking it’s under control can have a huge impact on themselves and everyone around them.

Most families seem to get stuck in the acceptance stage of this condition. Because here, it means finally accepting the alcoholic or substance abuser will not change.

Through this blog, you can learn tips for coping with alcoholics and practical tactics to encourage them to try drug and alcohol treatment centers.

  1. Study Alcoholism
  2. Learning about alcoholism is the first important step you need to take. Functional alcoholics or alcoholics in denial often drink in the presence of their family, partners and friends. The watchers can only helplessly sit and reminisce on it.

    Many reasons why one starts alcohol or substance abuse. However, multiple healthy coping methods are available that can save you and your family from unforeseen consequences.

    Learn as much as possible to be prepared for such situations or symptoms. It will be helpful when you are trying to get them into therapy, even when they deny they need one.

  3. Talk about Implication
  4. The next important thing you need to do is talk openly and honestly about their drinking behaviour. During the discussion, you need to consider the following:

    • Correct place and time – This is a private discussion. Do not openly discuss in front of bystanders. You dont want that person to feel ambushed or attacked. If the alcoholic is in a relaxed mode, that is much preferred.
    • Give examples of their behaviour – Be gentle while discussing their behaviour. You need to mention the negative impact of alcohol.
    • Be non-judgemental – You must have a non-judgmental and non-confrontational approach to the talk. So it will help you to suggest treatment for cannabis addiction & alcoholism. You can talk about therapy freely.

  5. Take care of yourself and your family.
  6. While dealing with a functional alcoholic, you need to accept that you need to take care of yourself to take care of the family. Your safety ensures your family’s safety.

    Your mental health stability will ensure that you can take care of others.

  7. Have Boundaries set
  8. An alcoholic is responsible for their actions and no one else. Take precautions against it, so you are not vulnerable. Family members and partners must set clear boundaries to prevent dangerous situations if an alcoholic has a habit of fighting and verbal abuse.

  9. Enabling Behaviour Avoidance
  10. Encouraging your partner’s or family member’s drinking habit is unlike loving them. People around an alcoholic person need to understand what enabling behaviour is and how it impacts them.

  11. Support Group Help
  12. In an alcoholic relationship, you need to have strong support groups. All of these might be friends, peers even healthcare professionals. It will be helpful for one to talk about your difficulty and feelings. It will be cathartic and help you overcome family issues.

To sum it up

If someone you know or your loved one is suffering from denial of alcoholism, it’s time to take action against it.

With the help of RehabHC, you can take that step with professional insight and guidance from the best rehab Birmingham offers.

You need to make alcoholics aware of their effects on the mental health of family members.

A part of the healing process at RehabHC includes inclusive family therapy sessions.

A dire need for family support, control and healing together can be fulfilled by our extensive care programs for functioning alcoholics.