It’s commonly expressed that addiction is a family disease. In the modern world, family often encompasses more than just those biologically related to one another. The loved ones of someone struggling with alcohol addiction suffer in myriad ways, through worry, an eroding relationship with the addicted person, and many emotional, financial, and practical consequences. While it is important for you to seek help and support, the first thing on your mind is probably getting help and support for the loved one you are so concerned about. How to help a loved one with alcoholism is front of mind for the family and close friends of anyone suffering from this addiction. Having your loved one enroll in an alcohol addiction treatment program is the best outcome. How do you help facilitate that?
There are many other ways of helping a loved one with alcoholism both before, during, and after their treatment. To learn more about how to help a loved one with alcohol addiction, reach out to Insight Recovery Center in Asheville, NC. We can offer answers to questions and reassurance that there is something you can do. We know how helpless you might feel until you understand how you can offer meaningful support. Call us at 828.826.1376 to speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members.
How Do You Know Your Loved One Needs Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
If you’re concerned about your loved one and believe they have an alcohol use disorder (AUD), how do you know for sure? If some or all of the signs below seem to apply to your loved one, including physical, psychological, or behavioral changes, chances are they need addiction treatment. Do you notice that your loved one:
- Has a completely new group of friends and has left old friends behind?
- Can’t sleep well anymore or sleeps excessively?
- Experiences mood swings?
- Has withdrawn from friends or family?
- Has stopped self-care or shows signs of poor hygiene and nutrition, including weight loss or gain?
- Is in trouble with work or school commitments with potential serious consequences like job loss or failing grades?
- Is apathetic about things that once brought joy, like activities or hobbies?
- Has received at least one DUI?
- Talks about cutting back on drinking but never really does it?
- Lies about what they’re doing, about how much they drink, or about the consequences of their behavior?
- Hides empty bottles or sneaks them out of the house when they think you are not looking?
- Has new health concerns that can be traced back to excessive drinking?
- Shows signs of withdrawal if they are unable to begin drinking at a certain time—agitation, anxiety, sweats, and tremors are all signs.
Any concerns you have are worth paying attention to. How can you help if you see these warning signs?
How to Help a Loved One with Alcohol Addiction
When faced with a loved one you are sure has an AUD, it can be frustrating to realize that they are in denial or, at the least, unable to openly admit there is a problem. Because of this, you need to be patient and careful in how you approach the topic.
The ultimate goal is to help them want to receive addiction treatment. The conversations you have may be uncomfortable or even seem to go nowhere at first, but do not be dissuaded by these challenges. Approach every discussion with love and compassion.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you interact with your loved one:
Be Honest but Without Judgment
Coming across as a know-it-all won’t help. Stating opinions or judgments about addiction is less productive than simply providing information about what you have observed, namely their behaviors around alcohol use.
Prepare Yourself for Their Responses
Denial, excuses, anger, resentment, hurt—all of these can manifest when you broach the topic of addiction with a loved one. Don’t despair. The first conversation almost never gets it all done. It may accomplish nothing more than letting them know you care and are there for them. Return to this topic again soon.
Listen to Them With Compassion
Whatever they need to say, even if you are certain that it is misguided or you disagree, you’ll learn how they are thinking and what mechanisms for self-protection they have in place. Remember, they depend on alcohol, so the idea of stopping drinking is probably terrifying. Listening shows them you are there, regardless, and they will remember that when the time comes to get help.
Do Your Homework
Your chance to share information may not come in the first conversation, but be ready with facts, including items to share with them when it is appropriate, like rehab brochures or alcohol addiction articles.
Call Insight Recovery Center Today to Help a Loved One with Alcoholism
We can help you help them. Reach out to speak to one of our staff who can guide you and offer suggestions, support, and information that can help.
Connect us using our online contact form or call us at 828.826.1376. As the saying goes, it takes a village. Let Insight be part of yours.