When a loved one struggles with alcoholism, you struggle too. You want to find ways to help them, but guiding your loved one toward help can be challenging, especially if they do not recognize they have a problem.
Alcoholism has many risks, from interference with daily life to an increased risk of health problems and accidents. As a result, helping the alcoholic in your life is important to get their life and health on track. Follow these tips from the experts at the alcohol addiction treatment center to learn how to help an alcoholic.
1. Learn About Alcohol Use Disorders
Often, it’s hard to understand alcohol addiction if you aren’t living with it. Before you try to help your loved one, take time to research alcohol use disorders. Look at its symptoms, which include drinking frequently and alone, continuing to drink even when it impacts their quality of life, and making excuses to drink. These, among other symptoms, will help to determine whether your loved one may be living with alcoholism or not.
2. Research Treatment Options
When you approach your loved one about their drinking, you want to be well informed about their treatment options. Perhaps your loved one is ready to seek treatment but isn’t quite sure where to find it. Many alcohol rehab options are available, which you can present to your loved one so that, together, you can find the right option for them.
Treatment for an alcohol use disorder can be delivered in several formats, including:
- Outpatient treatment program
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Men’s rehab program
- Women’s rehab program
3. Meet With Your Loved One
If you’re wondering how to help an alcoholic, it’s important to find a time to sit down with your loved one and express your concerns. Before your meeting, organize your thoughts so that you deliver pointed, carefully considered arguments in favor of treatment. Be prepared for some pushback. Your loved one might disagree with your assertion that they need help and may even be angry with you. Make sure that your loved one is sober when you have this important conversation.
During this meeting, avoid using accusatory statements and blaming them for their behavior. Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements. Express your concern, explain why you’re worried about them, and identify ways that you can help put them on the road to recovery. Present your findings of local treatment options, leaving them with brochures or information for them to review.
Consider using resources from an outpatient treatment center, the Health Promotion Agency, and Al-Anon to learn how to talk to your loved one about their alcohol usage.
4. Schedule a Follow-Up
It’s possible that your loved one won’t immediately agree to substance abuse treatment. They may want time to consider your arguments and reflect on their current situation to determine if they’re ready to take the next step. So, you might not walk out of your first intervention with a treatment plan.
Follow up with your loved one a few days after the original meeting to gauge their interest in seeking help. If they’re ready, take the initiative to connect them with a local treatment option.
5. Drive Them to Alcohol Rehab
Open, honest communication can guide you as you identify how to help an alcoholic. Thoughtful, gentle communication that expresses your concern increases the chances of making your loved one receptive to the idea of seeking treatment.
Contact Midwest Recovery Center
Give your loved one the gift of a second chance at life by helping them find the right alcohol rehab program for them. With many resources available, you’re sure to find a treatment plan well suited for their unique needs. Contact Midwest Recovery Center by calling 833.627.0039 for a treatment plan today.
