Recovering from alcohol addiction or abuse is much easier when you have people you can lean on for encouragement, comfort, and guidance. Some people are able to stop drinking on their own or with the help of a 12-step program or other support group (see below for links). Others need medical supervision in order to withdraw from alcohol safely and comfortably. Which option struggling with alcohol addiction is best for you depends on how much you’ve been drinking, how long you’ve had a problem, the stability of your living situation, and other health issues you may have. When people in our community are suffering a behavioral health, mental health or substance use crisis, it is necessary that they have easy and immediate access to 24/7 crisis response and emergency care.
- Sober communities can also share relatable experiences and offer new, healthy friendships.
- Research shows that most people believe that drinking can make them feel better.
- During the pre-contemplation and contemplation stages of change, a harm reduction approach may be helpful.
- Educate yourself on substance use disorders and available resources.
- In the best-case scenario, your loved one is open to discussion.
- If you do things to save your friend from the consequences of alcoholism, it could take your friend much longer to reach the point where they is willing to seek help.
Alcohol Rehab Aftercare and Ongoing Support
As much as you may want to, and as hard as it is to watch, you cannot make someone stop drinking. What you can do, though, is offer them steps they can take to address their problem—whether that’s calling a helpline, talking to a doctor or counsellor, entering treatment, or going to a group meeting. Witnessing your loved one’s drinking and the deterioration of your relationship can trigger many distressing emotions, including shame, fear, anger, and self-blame. Your loved one’s addiction may even be so overwhelming that it seems easier to ignore it and pretend that nothing is wrong.
How to help someone stop drinking
After over 15 years of developing expertise and leading strong clinical teams in the mental health field, she pivoted to apply her deep knowledge of mental health in the tech industry. Some therapists use the harm reduction model, which focuses on decreasing drinking instead of complete sobriety. This is not a good fit for everyone, but it might be worth discussing with your therapist if you’re not ready to give up drinking entirely but want to make a change. Even with thorough planning and preparation, this discussion may go differently than you had intended. The reaction you get may range from angry and bitter to sad and remorseful. In the best-case scenario, your loved one is open to discussion.
How substance abuse can affect teen mental health
Realize that you can’t force someone who doesn’t want to go into treatment. Imagine yourself in the same situation and what your reaction might be. If the person does have an alcohol problem, the best thing you can do is be open and honest with them about it. Hoping the person will get better on their own won’t change the situation. No matter the reaction, you should stay calm and assure your person that they have your respect and support.
Therefore, while individuals are able to choose not to drink if they know there is fatal harm that it would cause, they still are unable to function “normally” without alcohol. Since this is the case, alcohol addiction can be classified as a disorder. While this disorder allows the individual to choose treatment, we should not treat individuals as if they are choosing addiction. One idea is to talk to a therapist or mental health or substance abuse specialist to advise you on how to talk to your loved one about their alcohol use.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Loved Ones with Substance Use Disorders
You can also participate in a program that’s designed for the friends and family members of alcoholics, such as Al-Anon. Standing by your friend or family member’s progress during and after treatment is important, too. Even after recovery, your person will be in situations they can’t predict. Ways you can help include avoiding alcohol when you’re together or opting out of drinking in social situations.
Research Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction
When you drink, sip slowly and take a break of 30 minutes or one hour between drinks. Drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea, so make sure you eat food when you drink. Make it clear that drinking will not be allowed in your home and that you may not be able to attend events where alcohol is being served. BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Make a table like the one below, weighing the costs and benefits of drinking to the costs and benefits of quitting.
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