How to help an alcoholic
Is your loved one suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder?
If someone you love is suffering from alcohol use disorder you may start to notice behaviors that alert you to having a cause for concern. As a witness to someone who is experiencing alcohol use disorder you may find yourself rationalizing their behavior or thinking you’re overreacting. This is common for those of having a loved one who a suffering from alcohol use disorder. When someone is controlled by alcohol addiction they may hide how much they drink, lie about their volume of consumption, or deny they have a problem - sometimes gaslighting the person accusing them of an issue.
To best help your loved one and ultimately have them seek help for their disease, you must first understand the illness and what contributes to this condition. The following discusses the stages of addiction development, the risk factors to be aware of, how to help an alcoholic in denial, how alcoholism is diagnosed, and what effective treatment looks like.
Step One — Understanding
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, an alcohol use disorder (AUD) is when one can no longer control their use of alcohol, compulsively use it despite its negative ramifications, and/or experience emotional distress when they are not drinking.
AUD is a chronic, relapsing disease that is diagnosed based on an individual meeting certain criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) also explains that because alcohol use disorder is a disease, it is an involuntary disability. This means that although people choose to drink initially, it may be out of their control to quit once they become addicted.
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to solving alcohol use disorder. It is a multifaceted and complex disease that can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, sex, or economic standing and class.
Step Two - Research Treatment Facilities
Treatment is a very individual process - there are multi-factors that go into deciding which is the best course of action to take. Certain factors such as previous treatment services received, current alcohol use and the physical dependance associated with said use, and any co-occurring medical and/or mental health conditions and any additional substance use.
Seeking the guidance of a professional can significantly help both the person who is sick and the family surrounding them. The variety of options available can include intensive-out-patient (IOP) services, group services such as Alcoholics Anonymous, one-on-one therapy with a trained professional, and rehabilitation in-patient facilities.
Step Three - Communicate
As with any healthy relationship, communication is key. Often times, those who need help with a drinking problem may not immediately be receptive to discussing treatment or seeking help. Because of this, it may take a few conversations before they are willing to discuss treatment. Committing to getting sober and seeking help takes courage, be patient and compassionate while also maintaining your own mental health wellness.
Before talking with them, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider who specializes in addiction to obtain guidance on how to get help for alcoholism. Once you’ve done that, choose a time to sit down with them when they are sober so they can better process what you are saying.
