If you have a loved one with a drinking problem, you may be at a loss about how to handle the problem, how to approach the person, or what to say. If so, you are not alone. Few people have the skills or the experience necessary to address alcohol abuse. However, it is possible to help someone overcome an addiction or dependency on alcohol.
You can begin by contacting a local addiction treatment center in California. A treatment specialist can guide you through intervention and even help you when you confront your loved one. You can also get help from friends and family that you trust to handle the situation maturely. With the right plan in place, you can help a loved one with a drinking problem.
To Help a Loved One with a Drinking Problem Consider Staging an Intervention
If you confront a loved one about alcohol abuse without a plan, your intervention efforts will likely fail. Remember, your goal is to get them to a drug and alcohol detox center, which is a big step from where they are right now. So, you must consider how you will intervene. Make sure you include an intervention specialist and a team of family members or friends. Choose a time when the person is sober and isolated. Do not stage an intervention in public.
Express Your Concerns in a Loving Way
Learning how to communicate with a person who struggles with alcohol addiction is key to convincing them they need help. Learn these communication strategies next time you address the problem:
- Stay calm and control your emotions.
- Explain how alcohol addiction is affecting you and the family.
- Stay focused on the problem and not the person.
- Avoid harsh criticism or pointing fingers.
- Be direct but not rude.
- Do not allow your loved one to manipulate you or control the conversation.
Remember, after you’ve done your best to communicate effectively, you must leave it in the hands of your loved one. Only they can determine if they are willing to get help.
Provide Support During Rehab
If your loved one admits they have a drinking problem and needs to go to an alcohol rehab center, they are demonstrating a willingness to deal with their alcohol addiction. From this point forward, your role in their recovery is to provide support and encouragement throughout rehab and beyond. There are several things you can do to provide support:
- Visit them regularly.
- Send cards and letters.
- Participate in a family therapy program.
- Praise their accomplishments.
- Learn more about alcohol addiction.
Create a Stable Home Environment
When your loved one returns home from their substance abuse treatment program, they will need a stable home environment. If the house is messy, there is chaos in the family, or there is alcohol still in the house, it could derail your loved one’s efforts. Everything you worked hard to achieve could come crashing down quickly. So, you must get the house in order.
You can begin by cleaning and organizing the house. Clean and disinfect every room. Next, remove any traces of alcohol or drugs from the house. You may also want to get rid of all the junk food and replace it with healthy food. Deal with any family problems or conflict in family therapy, if necessary. The more stable and supportive the home environment is, the greater your loved one’s recovery chances.
Get Help for a Drinking Problem at Oceanfront Recovery
If you or a loved one has a drinking problem and needs help, contact Oceanfront Recovery at 877.296.7477. Let our treatment professionals guide you through the recovery stages and give you the tools you need to get clean and stay clean for life. Call us today and get started with your alcohol addiction treatment program.
