An alcoholic is a person who has developed a psychological and physical dependence on alcohol. This dependence negatively affects their professional and personal relationships, ultimately adversely affecting their lives and even health. It can be difficult watching a friend or a loved one suffer from alcoholism. Though it is entirely up to the person’s willingness to seek treatment, you can help them recover at Oceanfront Recovery. Here are some tips to remember when helping an alcoholic.
Learn About Alcohol Addiction
Helping someone battle alcoholism begins with understanding the addiction. Speaking from a place of knowledge can make a world of difference. Take the time and learn about alcohol use disorder, its symptoms, and the dangers it poses. While learning about alcohol addiction, you will come across resource materials that contain information on helping an alcoholic.
Be Compassionate and Offer Your Support
Be empathetic, nonjudgmental, and sincere with the support you offer. Try to put yourself in their shoes. While it is difficult to force someone to seek treatment, you can still be honest and open about their alcohol addiction. Tell them how worried you are about them. Many alcoholics are often in denial and will react negatively to offers of support. If this happens, give them space and time and try bringing up the subject on another occasion.
Be Positive
Formulate positive statements when helping an alcoholic. Whatever the response you get, remember to stay calm and avoid being hurtful, negative, or presumptuous. It is best to avoid accusatory statements such as “You are an alcoholic.” Instead, highlight a specific concern or unwanted effect, and convey how important the person’s sobriety is to them and the people around them.
Be Active in Their Recovery
Once they start treatment, do not be passive during the process. If they are okay with it, offer to attend some of the meetings with them. Follow up on the progress they are making. Try and get other friends or family members involved in their treatment as well. Do not let them sink or swim on their own. Recovery can be an isolating endeavor, and it is best if the person knows they are not alone. Your participation should also extend even after your friend or loved one has completed treatment.
Do Not Be an Enabler
Avoid lending money to an alcoholic unless it is going directly toward their treatment. Being an enabler creates an environment that impedes how successful their recovery will be. As long as they have continued access to money, they will have a reason not to quit.
Being an enabler goes beyond offering financial support. Sometimes, your behavior around an alcoholic could be less than ideal. Alcohol is abundant, and this can make it easy for someone in recovery to relapse. There are several ways you can offer them help, such as:
- Avoiding alcohol when with them
- Regularly asking them how their recovery is going
- Avoid always telling them what to do
- Encouraging their efforts towards sobriety
Helping an Alcoholic at Oceanfront Recovery
There are several programs a person struggling with alcoholism can enroll for alcohol addiction treatment. Some of the options dedicated to helping your loved one with his/her sobriety include:
- Drug and alcohol detox
- Men’s rehab program
- Women’s rehab program
- Addiction treatment therapy program
- Aftercare programs
When helping an alcoholic in their recovery, the things you do and don’t do can heavily determine how successful the treatment will be. At Oceanfront Recovery, we employ an individualized treatment approach that addresses every client’s unique needs. Such a personalized approach allows them to be more invested in their treatment. Contact Oceanfront Recovery today at 877.296.7477, and find out more about the treatment we can offer a loved one battling alcohol addiction.
