How Do I Help A Recovering Addict or Alcoholic?

They have no emotional attachment to your loved one, only a sincere desire to be helpful to them. It means they’ll also be able to stay calm and focused if the situation turns stressful. We’ve seen it more times than we count, and we’ve been there too. Family and friends begin to interact with the alcoholic in the same way the alcoholic interacts with booze. And just like the alcoholic is powerless over alcohol, the family is powerless over the disease of alcoholism in their loved one.

You can also encourage your friend or family member to continue their aftercare through a program like AA. Watching a friend or family member suffer from alcoholism is deeply distressing and frustrating. To help the person stop drinking, you’ll need to confront them and try to support them as they get help.

Don’t try to talk to the person while they are drinking or under the influence.

It can often feel like everything you’re saying is falling on deaf ears. Whenever possible, loop in a professional or another person in recovery. Consistent exposure to the disease of alcoholism brings family and friends for a ride on an emotional rollercoaster. The more you engage with an active alcoholic, especially one showing no signs of wanting help, the sicker you can become. Give yourself some space from them so you have a better chance at staying strong, holding your boundaries, and providing useful help when the time comes.

For serious alcohol use disorder, you may need a stay at a residential treatment facility. Most residential treatment programs include individual and group therapy, support groups, educational lectures, family involvement, and activity therapy. We are passionate about helping adult men and women who struggle with alcohol abuse disorders and co-occurring mental illnesses https://www.excel-medical.com/5-tips-to-consider-when-choosing-a-sober-living-house/ find hope and healing. Expert care is administered by board-certified physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, licensed therapists, certified personal trainers, certified recovery coaches, and other ancillary staff. We provide individuals with skills and healthy coping strategies to transition from a life in active addiction to a healthy, vibrant life in recovery.

Treatment options

But the reality is that not even the person dependent on alcohol can control their drinking, try as they may. If your loved one has become addicted to alcohol, however, their brain chemistry may have changed to the point that they are completely surprised by some of the choices they make. They may not be in control of their own decision making. When someone with alcohol dependency promises they will never drink again but a short time later are back to drinking as much as always, it is easy to take the broken promises and lies personally. You may think, « If they really love me, they wouldn’t lie to me. »