Alcohol addiction is a rising concern in our society. Studies show that nearly 15 million people above the age of 12 are struggling with the issue. Out of these, only about 7% of people receive treatment.
Looking at these numbers, chances are one of your own is also an alcoholic. While it is disheartening to discover this, it is more important to help them. Neglecting alcohol addiction can land your loved one into more trouble. Therefore, here’s how you can help them.
Identifying your Loved One’s Alcohol Addiction
Before raising the issue, you first need to be sure that one of your own is abusing alcohol. For that, you need to look out for the following signs:
- Drinking at more frequent intervals than before
- Needing more alcohol to feel the usual effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when sober
- Withdrawing from the activities they once loved
- Prioritizing alcohol
If you observe similar behavior in your loved one, it is time to have a conversation.
How to Help an Alcoholic?
Pointing out someone’s alcohol addiction is never going to be pleasant. They will always oppose or try to avoid the conversation completely. Thus, you need to be extremely careful while bringing this topic up. Here’s how you can help your loved one:
- Let your loved one know that their drinking habits are concerning you. Try to mention the impacts it has been having on their life. Be non-judgemental during the conversation and approach in a compassionate manner.
- Make sure you learn as much as you can about alcohol addiction, its causes, and its effects. This will allow you to understand your loved one’s situation better and help them accordingly.
- Try to be as much available as possible for them. Be there to listen to their problems and feelings. This will help them handle their emotions better and have an assurance that they are not alone.
- Besides lending emotional support, you may also gradually encourage them to seek professional help. Seeing a therapist or an addiction specialist can help greatly in overcoming their addiction.
- Quitting alcohol is sure to put your loved one through some pain. But providing them with alcohol to make them feel better won’t be helpful. Also, avoid covering up for them.
Meanwhile, you do all this, do not forget to look after yourselves. Helping a loved one with alcohol addiction can take an emotional toll on you. Thus, practice self-care.
Once you have convinced your loved one to seek treatment, you can bring them to Taylor Recovery. We have been serving the people of Dallas, Texas, and wish to continue doing so. Hence, join our program today, and let’s help your loved one together. Contact us now to schedule an appointment!