Instead, encourage them to get back into treatment as soon as possible after the relapse. This can feel like restarting the process, but it must be done. Many families and friends of someone with an AUD benefit from partaking in some form of family therapy or support group for themselves.
- If their addiction is severe, however, they will most likely need inpatient rehabilitation to successfully stop drinking and build up sober habits.
- The brain and body become dependent on an outside substance to create feelings of happiness and well-being—and, at advanced stages of the disease, to simply maintain the ability to function.
- Various factors affect an addicted person’s brain, making it difficult to stop drinking.
- Joining a support group or reaching out to friends who have experience with addiction may help you feel more prepared to support your loved one.
- As a result, they require a different approach to treatment before they can really overcome the factors that are leading to their current addictive behaviours.
- Some specialize in care for either men or women while others focus on a holistic approach that gets to the root cause of addiction.
How to Talk to an Alcoholic: How to Talk to Someone About Alcoholism
If a family member or friend is currently in treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD) or in the early stages of recovery, it can be daunting to know your role in their journey. Recovery can be a long and often bumpy road, so understanding how to help someone with substance abuse and supporting them throughout their journey can go a long way. Read on to learn about how to support your loved one during the process of addiction treatment, tips for recovery, and being a support to help them stay sober. Support from family members and friends can be an integral part of a successful recovery.
- In today’s modern, chaotic world, it’s all too easy to eat separately.
- This will be more effective than being angry, attacking them, or trying to guilt or coerce them to stop.
- The more you know about the condition, the better equipped you’ll be to help.
- Individuals with alcoholism may not be able to simply quit on their own without help.
The Role of Emotional Processing in Long-Term Sobriety
Don’t take any negative statements personally since they would likely not say those things if sober. Do not dismiss their feelings or argue whether what they say is true. Their perspective may be different than yours, but it is theirs. The brain plays a significant role in why a person cannot quit.
The 12-Step Program
However, addiction is heavily rooted in psychological, emotional, and physical alcoholism dependence. Supporting someone with alcoholism can take a heavy toll on your mental and emotional health. Join a support group for families of addicts, talk to a therapist, or simply carve out time to rest and recharge.
What You Can Do To Support Someone in Recovery
They’re similar to other 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It provides a community where you can share your experiences and learn from other recovering couples. You can also search for online resources on alcohol use disorder. Dealing with an alcoholic isn’t easy, even https://ecosoberhouse.com/ for friends or family members.
- Most of the time, though, a combination of cravings and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms drives them to use the substance again.
- But it is especially necessary in the case of addiction, both to preserve the continued development of the rest of the family and to let the struggling person know what is acceptable and what is not.
- 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.
Shaming an addict will only make them turn to what coats their emotions, which is likely drinking. The approach of judgment and shame does nobody good in the end. While you can’t shelter your loved one from situations where alcohol is present, you can avoid drinking with or around the person. When you spend time together, try to suggest activities that don’t involve alcohol. Depending on the level of your loved one’s problem—and how much control they have over their drinking—they may be able to reduce their alcohol intake help with alcohol to a healthier level rather than quit altogether.