Alcohol can be temporary fun, but it comes with devastating permanent consequences. When you see a loved one or family member struggle with alcoholism, it can be really hard for you to change the situation and help them recover.
Before you try to do anything, it is important for you to know if your friend or family member really has an alcohol problem. Alcoholism is not just casual drinking; it is more of a physical dependence on alcohol. Here is some of the best recovery advice that you can try in order to help your loved one.
1. Confront
Hoping that the person will get over alcohol is not the best thing. Instead be open and honest with them about the ill-effects of alcohol. Confront them and question them as to why they have taken up drinking so much. Educate them about the negative consequences of consuming too much alcohol.
Who knows, they might be having a real problem in life that might need help and alcohol is not the right solution for it. Tell your loved one about your concerns that they are drinking too much and extend your support. Be ready to face resistance and at times even outright denial.
Don’t give up if you see a negative reaction and be non-judgmental and empathetic. Don’t try to force them into immediate recovery treatment. Just offer your help and support to your loved ones and let them know you are there for them at all times.
2. Wait for the Right Time
When people you care for, come home drunk, it might be really tempting to criticize and react against them for their behavior. However, that is not going to help. They might not even hear what you are saying or forget it the next day.
It is very important to approach the person when they are sober and have the fullest attention. Otherwise, all your attempts will go vain. If there is no time for spontaneous confrontations, seek the right time to talk them and schedule a talk with them.
3. Take your loved ones to sober meetings and help groups
Sober meetings and alcoholism help groups have been around for a long time. Such groups can help the person a great deal to understand their problem. Assist them by proposing to go with them for sober meetings. This will help them eradicate the fears in taking the first steps towards getting rid of alcohol from their life.
They will also provide the perfect opportunity to network with a group of authentic recovering friends, rather than the unhealthy network of other drinking buddies.
4. Help them Commit for a change and stick to it
Don’t ever think that your job is done, once you have gotten the person into a recovery treatment or help groups. It is an ongoing process that needs a lot of patience and commitment. Extend your helping hand and help them focus on getting well.
Treating an alcoholic is not that easy. Stay on top of the person’s treatments and watch their actions to ensure that they don’t go back to drinking again. Help them stick to their commitments and help them tread an effective path towards sobriety.
5. Be informed
Learning more and more about alcoholism will ensure that you take the right steps to help them. You can use online resources and other programs to help you to deal with the situation.
Living with an alcoholic is one of the hardest things, as their uncontrolled drinking may cause a lot of problems in your life. But with education, support, and conviction, family members or friends can give the person a fair shot towards recovery.
