It can be incredibly heartbreaking to watch a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor go through an addiction to alcohol. Your first instinct is probably to help, but you might not be sure how to start. Here are the best ways to help an alcoholic.
What is alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a broad term to describe anyone with an alcohol use disorder. When the substance begins to affect someone’s life negatively, and they cannot stop drinking on their own, then they are most likely suffering from alcoholism. These negative impacts can be seen in the person’s attitude, professional lives, or personal relationships with family and friends.
Have Resources Ready
Before you talk to your loved one about alcoholism, make sure you’ve done your research. If you want to help, it’s crucial to have a toolbelt full of resources at the ready. There are government programs and websites that are full of helpful resources. Some you can read through are:
Talk to Your Loved One
Before you reach out to a loved one and suggest that they may be an alcoholic, it’s important to really understand the context of the situation. Someone who has suddenly started drinking more than they usually do isn’t necessarily in trouble. Stress, grief, and life changes can all lead to an increase in drinking alcohol, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the person has become an alcoholic. Ask questions, talk to your loved one, and really get a good idea of what’s going on in their life. This type of support from a loved one can be incredibly impactful in anyone’s life, especially someone choosing alcohol to try and improve their mood. However, if you still feel that they may need professional help, then contact a professional for guidance on how to take the next steps.
The best way to help an alcoholic is to be there for them as they’re going through the process of getting help for their addiction. If you have any questions on how to proceed, contact us today.