Figuring out how to help an alcoholic who does not want help can seem like an impossible task. Because of the nature of this mental illness, most alcoholics will refuse to get help. Friends, family members and co-workers may become frustrated as the addiction spirals out of control. While it may not be easy, there are ways to help an alcoholic.
How to Help an Alcoholic
Before someone can be helped, it is important to figure out if they actually have a drinking problem. Alcoholism is not just drinking one too many beers on a single night. Individuals with this problem have a physical, emotional and mental dependence on alcohol. They will often deny that they have a problem.
Start by being honest and accepting of the problem. Alcoholics often feel embarrassed or shameful about their drinking. Rather than ignore the issue, discuss it openly. Let your loved one know that you are worried that they are drinking too much. They need to know that you love them and are there to support them no matter what.
Get Help From Other People
When deciding how to help an alcoholic, one of the first steps is to ask for help yourself. If multiple people express their concern, it will be harder for the individual to deny the problem. Find someone that they trust to express their feelings without being judgmental. A counselor or addiction specialist can also help.
In some cases, the individual will promise to change and never fulfill their promise. For these cases, it may be possible to get help through a Florida alcohol detox center. As you try to find ways to help an alcoholic, it is important to get professional care. At a detox center, the individual will be held accountable and will not be able to drink. This gives them a chance to detox from alcohol, sober up and realize that their behavior affects all aspects of their life.
Stay the Course
Alcoholism is a chronic disease. It does not go away after detox and treatment. When someone gets help, they may need to go to therapy or meetings for decades afterward. During this time, they will continue to need the support of the people around them. Loved ones can attend meetings and therapy with the individual to show their support. They can also offer support by listening and curbing their own alcohol use.
Get Help for Yourself
Dealing with a loved one’s addiction can be emotionally straining. Remember that you may need help as well. If you are under strain or depressed, a counselor can help provide you with support. You will only be able to help your loved one if you are in a good position mentally and emotionally.
Finding out how to help alcoholics can be challenging. A detox center can help by:
- Diagnosing the addiction
- Providing support
- Supervising detox
- Recommending ongoing treatment options
The first step in recovery is to realize that there is a problem. Detox helps to lay the foundation for the future by removing the physical dependency on alcohol. To get help for you or a loved one, contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery at 866-294-5306 and speak with one of our compassionate admission specialists.
