Arielle Cruz
Alcoholism is a complex issue that can affect people from all walks of life, and it can be challenging to know how to deal with a person struggling with alcoholism. It is important to remember that alcoholism is a disease and that the person struggling with it needs support and understanding. There are several ways to help someone with alcoholism, including encouraging them to seek professional help, providing emotional support, joining support groups, and educating yourself about the disease. It is also crucial to set healthy boundaries and take care of your own well-being while supporting a loved one through their journey to recovery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Behavioral treatments include individual, group, and family therapy sessions. Residential treatment or rehab facilities provide intensive treatment for alcohol abuse or addiction. |
| Support | Join a support group for families and friends of people with alcohol use disorders, such as Al-Anon, Alateen, SMART Recovery, or Families Anonymous. |
| Education | Educate yourself on the dangers of alcohol use, treatment methods, and the nature of alcohol use disorders. |
| Conversation | Start a conversation with the person about your concerns when they are sober. Be truthful and express your thoughts and feelings. |
| Accountability | Help the person understand the consequences of their actions and the impact of their drinking on their life. |
| Coping mechanisms | Encourage healthier ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, confiding in others, meditation, or other relaxation practices. |
| Boundaries | Set healthy personal boundaries and limits in your relationship. |
| Relapse | Help the person identify and avoid triggers that may lead to a relapse. |
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What You'll Learn
Educate yourself on alcohol use disorders and treatment methods
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It is considered a brain disorder and can be mild, moderate, or severe. AUD can cause lasting changes in the brain that make individuals vulnerable to relapse.
Genetics play a role in the development of AUD, with hereditability accounting for approximately 60%. However, like other chronic health conditions, AUD risk is influenced by the interplay between a person's genes and their environment. Mental health conditions and a history of trauma are also associated with an increased risk of AUD.
Healthcare providers diagnose AUD by performing a physical examination and looking for symptoms of conditions that alcohol misuse may cause. They use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assess the severity of the disorder. Treatment for AUD typically includes medication and behavioral therapy, with the goal of reducing alcohol consumption or achieving abstinence.
There are currently three medications approved for AUD treatment in the United States: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. Naltrexone helps reduce the urge to drink, while acamprosate decreases the negative symptoms associated with alcohol abstinence. Disulfiram discourages drinking by causing unpleasant symptoms when alcohol is consumed. These medications can be used alone or in combination with other forms of treatment and are designed to be non-addictive.
Behavioral treatments, also known as alcohol counseling or talk therapy, are provided by licensed therapists and aim to change drinking behavior. Examples include brief interventions, reinforcement approaches, and mindfulness-based therapies. Mutual-support groups, such as 12-step programs, provide peer support for stopping or reducing drinking and can be a valuable layer of support when combined with medication and behavioral treatment.
It is important to note that treatment for AUD should be tailored to the individual, and a treatment approach that works for one person may not work for another. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provides resources and tools like the Alcohol Treatment Navigator to help individuals find qualified treatment providers and make informed decisions about their care.
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Understand the root causes of their alcohol use
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcoholism is a medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It is considered a brain disorder that can be mild, moderate, or severe. There is no single cause of alcoholism, and each person who struggles with this form of substance abuse has their own unique story. However, understanding the root causes of a person's alcohol use can be the first step in helping them seek treatment.
Internal factors, such as genetics, psychological conditions, personality, personal choice, and drinking history, can contribute to the development of alcoholism. For example, individuals who are more likely to pursue or disregard risks are more prone to engage in heavy drinking. Similarly, those who are less inhibited may drink more. People with certain personality traits, such as always wanting to be "the life of the party" or extreme shyness, might become heavy social drinkers. Additionally, expectations about drinking play a significant role, with individuals who have positive expectations about alcohol's effects being more likely to develop alcoholism.
External factors, including family, environment, social and cultural norms, age, education, and job status, can also influence the development of alcoholism. For instance, drinking at an early age is a risk factor for AUD, with those who start drinking before the age of 15 being more likely to report having AUD in adulthood. Family history and genetics are also important considerations, with hereditability accounting for approximately 60% of the risk. However, it's important to note that environmental factors, such as growing up in a household that normalises excessive drinking, can also increase the risk of developing alcoholism.
Mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, OCD, anxiety, and schizophrenia, can also contribute to the development of alcoholism. Many individuals with these conditions turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism to lessen their symptoms. Repeated drinking can increase tolerance, leading to a cycle of drinking more to achieve the desired effect, which can eventually develop into alcoholism.
Understanding the interplay between these internal and external factors can provide valuable insights into the root causes of a person's alcohol use and inform effective treatment approaches.
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Help them find healthier ways to cope with stress
Alcohol use disorder is often associated with stress. Many people turn to alcohol to relieve stress, cope with difficulties, or to avoid feeling bad. However, drinking alcohol to relax is counter-productive and can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, aggression, anger, and stress. It is important to help the person with alcoholism find healthier ways to cope with stress.
Firstly, you can encourage them to exercise. Exercise is a great way to manage stress, whether it is day-to-day challenges or something more significant. Any form of physical activity can help clear the head of the day's worries.
Secondly, you can suggest they confide in others. Bottling up emotions can be unhealthy, and talking to someone can help to relieve stress. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or counsellor.
Thirdly, meditation or other relaxation practices can be beneficial. Techniques such as yoga or breathing exercises can be helpful when feeling worried or anxious.
Finally, it is important to encourage positivity. This could be as simple as taking time to do something they enjoy, reflecting on what went well during the day, or listing things they are grateful for.
It is important to remember that relapses are common and not uncommon. You can help the person identify and avoid triggers, and brainstorm distraction techniques.
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Offer to join them at a doctor or counsellor's appointment
When dealing with a person with alcoholism, offering to join them at a doctor or counsellor's appointment can be a great way to show your support and help them take the first step towards recovery. Here are some detailed suggestions on how to go about this:
Firstly, choose an appropriate time and place to initiate the conversation. Wait until the person is sober and find a quiet, private space where you can talk calmly and without distractions. Express your concerns in a caring and non-judgmental manner, focusing on how their drinking affects their health, your relationship, and their overall well-being. You could say something like, "I am concerned about your drinking, and I want to help."
Suggest the idea of seeking professional help and offer to accompany them to appointments. You can say, "Would you like me to come with you to see a doctor or counsellor?" Emphasize that you will be there to provide support throughout the process. If they agree, help them find a suitable healthcare provider or counsellor who specializes in alcohol abuse treatment. You can use online tools or ask for referrals from local hospitals or clinics.
During the appointment, your presence can provide moral support and help the person feel less anxious. You can also take notes, ask questions, and ensure that the person understands the treatment options presented to them. After the appointment, discuss the next steps with them and offer to help create a concrete plan for their recovery. This plan might include follow-up appointments, therapy sessions, support group meetings, or other recommended treatments.
Remember that recovery from alcoholism is an ongoing process and setbacks may occur. Be patient, offer encouragement, and continue to support the person as they navigate their journey towards sobriety. Additionally, it is important to take care of your own well-being during this process. Join support groups for friends and families of people with alcohol abuse issues, such as Al-Anon, to gain support and learn new coping strategies.
By offering to join them at a doctor or counsellor's appointment, you can provide practical assistance and emotional support, which can make a significant difference in their journey towards overcoming alcoholism.
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Set healthy boundaries and take care of yourself
Setting healthy boundaries with an alcoholic can be challenging, but it is crucial for your well-being and can also help the alcoholic in their recovery journey. Here are some steps to guide you through this process:
Identify Your Needs and Values
Recognize what is important to you and what behaviours you are and are not comfortable with. For example, if you are uncomfortable around intoxicated people, be clear about this and explain why. It is essential to set these boundaries for yourself first before communicating them to the alcoholic.
Communicate Your Boundaries
Once you have identified your boundaries, clearly and specifically communicate them to the alcoholic. Be assertive and empathetic at the same time. Give specific examples of behaviours that you will not tolerate, such as using alcohol, lying, or driving under the influence. You can say things like, "I am not comfortable with this," or "I need to step away from this situation."
Maintain Your Boundaries
It is not enough to just set boundaries; you must also enforce them. Addicts will often try to test and push against boundaries, so be prepared to take action if they are broken. Set clear consequences and follow through with them. For example, you may decide that if a boundary is crossed, you will no longer allow the person in your home or cut off all communication until they are willing to respect your boundaries.
Prioritize Self-Care
Throughout this process, it is crucial to take care of yourself. Alcoholism can be stressful for both the addict and their loved ones, so make sure to schedule time for self-care and relaxation. Join support groups such as Al-Anon, which provides peer support for families dealing with a loved one's alcohol abuse. Remember, you cannot control the addict's behaviour, but you can control your response and how you take care of yourself.
Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms
While setting boundaries, also encourage the alcoholic to find healthier ways to cope with stress and reduce their alcohol consumption. Suggest activities that don't involve drinking, such as exercise, meditation, or other relaxation practices. Offer to join them in these activities or suggest they join a support group or counselling to help them process their emotions in a healthier way.
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Frequently asked questions
Educate yourself on the dangers of alcohol misuse and treatment/rehab methods. Talk to them about your worries when they are sober, express your feelings and offer your support. Suggest activities that don't involve drinking alcohol and point them towards helpful resources and tools.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic but treatable condition that can develop in association with certain cognitive changes and physiological adaptations that make it difficult for a person to stop drinking. Signs of AUD include drinking under risky circumstances, increased family conflict, craving alcohol, spending a lot of time looking for alcohol, and experiencing physical symptoms of withdrawal.
Recognise that alcoholism is an illness and separate the person from the addiction. Offer unconditional love and positive affirmations, but also set healthy boundaries and remember to take care of yourself. Joining a support group for families and friends of people with AUD, such as Al-Anon, can provide emotional support and help you develop strategies to protect your boundaries.
