How to Help Someone With Alcohol Abuse Problems

An alcohol abuser drinks too much, but may not be physically dependent to alcohol. You might know someone suffering from alcohol abuse and feel powerless to help him. There is no simple solution that will fix everything. You should make your best effort to help them by seeing advice from alcohol addiction experts however you have to also realise that in the end, the must want to help too for treatment to be most effective.

Instructions

• Make the abuser accountable for its actions. Stop making excuses. Do not cover up for him. Do not lie to other people to explain his actions after a heavy drinking episode. Tell the truth, he is abusing alcohol.

• Talk with alcohol abuse. Say to her in a quiet way, how you feel about her abuse. Explain that you are worried about her and you only want to help her.

• Provide consequences for the abuser. You must be prepared to follow through with the consequence, so he knows that you are serious. If you live with him, can you move if he does not stop. If he’s a friend, tell him that you no longer want to hang out with him. The point is to make him feel the consequences and decide if his drinking is more important than anything else.

• Find treatment options. Talk to your doctor. He may be able to refer you to someone who can help alcohol abuse. Go to the website of the National Council on Alcoholism and drug addiction. You will find resources, including the names of clinics and support groups. Give the addict’s name and number in a treatment center or support group and offer to go with her.

• Have someone else speak to the addict. If the abuser still refuse help, bring a friend or family member to speak to the addict. The addict may feel that the person is less judgmental than you. An ex-alcoholic may explain the negative effects alcohol had on his life. A recovering alcoholic may be able to persuade the addict to stop drinking.

• Have an intervention. Bring family and friends of the addict, along with a medical professional. Explain the harmful effects of alcohol. Make sure that the health professionals have made this kind of intervention before.

Tips & Warnings

  • Find a support group for yourself, such as Al-Anon. Go to find a local group www.al-anon.alateen.org.
  • The plan for a relapse. If the addict gets help, he may suffer a relapse at some point. Do not be mad at him. Support him by letting him know that you believe in him. Get out of relapse and focus on the positive steps since to get help.
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