Lena Savoie
Alcohol addiction is a common problem that can be challenging to overcome. While the decision to quit drinking lies with the individual, there are ways to support an alcoholic on their journey to recovery. It is important to remember that recovery is a process, and relapses may occur. Support from loved ones can make a significant difference in an alcoholic's journey to sobriety. This support can take various forms, from encouraging new hobbies and interests to providing emotional support and guidance. Additionally, seeking professional help through treatment programs, mutual support groups, and counselling can be beneficial. Understanding the available treatment options and being mindful of potential withdrawal symptoms are also crucial aspects of supporting an alcoholic trying to quit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Seek medical help | Doctors can prescribe medications to address withdrawal symptoms and make the process safer and less distressing. |
| Support groups | Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking. |
| Counselling | Counselling can help to handle high-stress situations and provide additional mental health support. |
| Educate yourself | Learn about their addiction and get support for yourself as an impacted loved one. |
| Set realistic goals | Help them set new limits and realistic ways of sticking to those limits. |
| Avoid triggers | Help them to identify triggers and avoid situations where they might be tempted to drink. |
| Develop new hobbies and interests | Encourage your loved one to develop new hobbies and interests that don’t involve drinking. |
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What You'll Learn
Seek medical help to plan a safe recovery
Seeking medical help is crucial for planning a safe recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is a chronic relapsing disorder, and overcoming it is an ongoing process that often involves setbacks. Here are some reasons why seeking medical assistance is essential:
Medication
Doctors can prescribe medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and make the recovery process safer and less distressing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved naltrexone and acamprosate for AUD treatment, while topiramate and gabapentin can help reduce cravings.
Treatment Tailored to the Individual
No single treatment works for everyone. It is important to find a treatment plan that suits the individual's needs and circumstances. A healthcare provider can help evaluate the pros and cons of each treatment option and tailor the therapy accordingly. This may include addressing any accompanying medical and mental health issues, as AUD often co-occurs with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma- and stress-related disorders, other substance use disorders, and sleep disorders.
Behavioural Treatments and Counselling
Behavioural treatments and counselling, led by healthcare providers, can help change drinking behaviour. Counselling can also provide support during high-stress situations and help develop skills to avoid triggers that may lead to drinking.
Support Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs offer peer support for those quitting or cutting back on drinking. These mutual-support groups provide a valuable layer of support and can promote recovery by helping individuals make and sustain beneficial changes.
E-Health Tools
Online self-guided programs and e-health tools have been shown to assist in overcoming alcohol problems. These can include mobile apps, web-based cognitive-behavioural therapy programs, and digital self-help platforms that guide individuals in changing their drinking habits and developing new skills.
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Help them set new limits and realistic ways of sticking to them
Helping a loved one quit alcohol can be challenging, but there are several ways to support them. Here are some strategies to help them set new limits and realistic ways of sticking to them:
Identify triggers
Triggers are situations or circumstances that may prompt the urge to drink. It is important to identify these triggers to avoid or manage them effectively. For example, if alcohol is readily available at home, a new limit could be to no longer drink at home.
Set clear and achievable goals
Assist your loved one in setting clear and achievable drinking goals. For instance, they could commit to not drinking at all for at least two days each week. Help them write down these goals and create a plan to achieve them.
Develop strategies for adherence
Work with your loved one to devise strategies to stick to their drinking limits. This could include taking a break between drinks, pursuing new interests and social groups that don't involve drinking, or joining support groups.
Encourage new hobbies and interests
Quitting or cutting down on drinking can leave a void in a person's life. Encourage your loved one to take up new hobbies and interests to fill this time. This could be taking a class, spending time in nature, volunteering, or pursuing creative arts.
Seek professional help
Encourage your loved one to seek professional help, such as counselling or therapy, to address the underlying causes of their addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Additionally, a doctor can help manage any withdrawal symptoms and provide referrals to treatment programs.
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Avoid drinking around them
Drinking around a person with an alcohol problem can be highly inconsiderate and counterproductive. It could lead them to want to drink, or make them believe you weren't serious about your concern. It is important to avoid drinking around them, at least not soon after voicing your concern.
Instead, you can suggest social activities that don't involve drinking. For example, you can encourage them to develop new hobbies and interests that don't involve drinking. This could include taking up a sport, joining a hobby club, or pursuing the arts by painting, writing, or visiting museums. You can also suggest activities such as spending time in nature, hiking, camping, or fishing.
It is also beneficial to help them set new limits and realistic ways of sticking to those limits. For example, you can help them commit to at least two days each week when they won't drink at all and find alternative activities to do instead. On days they do drink, help them adhere to healthy drinking limits—no more than one drink a day for a woman or two drinks a day for a man.
Additionally, you can offer to join them in a doctor or counselor appointment and encourage them to attend support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
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Encourage them to develop new hobbies and interests
When supporting an alcoholic trying to quit, it is important to encourage them to develop new hobbies and interests. This is because finding new hobbies can provide a sense of purpose and fill the time previously spent drinking. Hobbies can also be a healthy way to manage stress, which is often a trigger for alcohol abuse.
To begin, it is beneficial to assess the alcoholic's interests and choose hobbies that align with their personality and current physical and emotional state. For example, if they used to play the piano, they could take up piano lessons again. If they enjoyed running, they could set new health goals to get back into it. It is also worth considering community-based hobbies, such as team sports or group art classes, as these provide essential social support and a sense of structure, which can be beneficial during recovery.
It is important to note that finding the right hobby can take time, and it is okay to try out different activities before settling on one that resonates with them. The key is to choose hobbies that are enjoyable and beneficial to their recovery journey. These hobbies can be creative outlets, such as painting, writing, or music, which provide a constructive way to express emotions and enhance cognitive functions impaired by alcohol abuse. Other hobbies can include physical activities like hiking, cycling, or yoga, which help restore physical well-being.
Additionally, new hobbies can provide opportunities to meet new people and develop valuable skills. For example, they could try knitting or cooking, which often involve group activities and classes. Hobbies like these can help keep the mind occupied and reduce the likelihood of falling into negative thinking patterns associated with sobriety. They can also encourage personal growth and improvement, leading to a more positive self-image and a natural distancing from harmful behaviours.
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Offer to accompany them to doctor appointments, group meetings, or counselling sessions
Offering to accompany an alcoholic trying to quit to doctor appointments, group meetings, or counselling sessions can be a great way to show your support and help them on their journey to recovery. Here are some detailed suggestions on how to do this:
Doctor Appointments
When accompanying them to doctor appointments, it's important to remember that the individual's primary care doctor or GP will play a crucial role in their recovery. The doctor can evaluate their drinking patterns, assess their overall health, and identify any co-occurring disorders. They may also provide treatment referrals and prescribe medications to help treat alcohol dependence and manage withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, you can help by offering to schedule appointments, accompanying them to the appointments, and providing emotional support during the visits.
Group Meetings
Group meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other 12-step programs, provide peer support for people trying to quit drinking. These meetings allow individuals to connect with others facing similar struggles, reducing their sense of isolation. You can offer to find local meetings, accompany them to the meetings, and even participate in open meetings for friends and family of alcoholics, such as Al-Anon. Your presence can provide emotional support and help them feel less alone in their journey.
Counselling Sessions
Counselling or behavioural therapy sessions are aimed at changing drinking behaviour and identifying the underlying causes of alcohol abuse. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), for example, helps individuals identify feelings and situations that trigger heavy drinking and develop coping strategies. You can offer to help find a suitable counsellor or therapist and accompany them to the sessions. Your presence can provide moral support and make them feel less anxious about seeking professional help.
Remember, recovery from alcohol addiction is an ongoing process that requires time and patience. By offering to accompany them to these appointments and meetings, you are showing your commitment to their journey and providing valuable emotional support.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to show your support and commitment to helping your loved one throughout their journey. Educate yourself on their addiction and get support for yourself as well. Help them set realistic goals and new hobbies that don't involve drinking. Avoid drinking around them and enable them to continue their use.
Treatment options include behavioural therapies, medications, and mutual support groups. Three medications are currently approved in the US to help people stop or reduce their drinking: naltrexone, acamprosate, topiramate, and gabapentin. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs provide valuable peer support.
It is recommended to see a doctor first to manage any withdrawal symptoms and create a treatment plan. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) is a free, confidential service that provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Online tools such as A-CHESS, CBT4CBT, and CheckUp & Choices can also help prevent a return to drinking.
It's important to have a clear goal in mind and understand your triggers to avoid situations where you might be tempted to drink. Exercise is a great way to manage stress and stay motivated throughout your recovery journey.
