Discuss your concerns calmly and if they are in denial, remind them of specific nights out or occasions when there were incidents or when they were particularly out of control. Self-realisation can take time when it comes to alcohol addiction but try to present evidence in a way that will help them to recognise the situation themselves. This can be particularly risky if they have other friends who also drink heavily because they may simply cut you out of their life and continue on the same path.

Al-Anon is an organization that helps loved ones of people with alcohol use disorders cope with a loved one’s behaviors. The group also addresses the role played by how drinking affects the teenage brain loved ones in enabling that behavior. Friends, family, and other loved ones may unintentionally make a situation worse by enabling a person who misuses alcohol.

Instead, let that fear help you put extra care into the planning.
” Yep, you’re right—they could. And losing their job might be the “wake-up call” they need to start taking responsibility for their behavior.
Calmly redirect the subject so you can de-escalate the situation.
We believe that the magic of craft beer is not defined by its alcohol content but rather the community it builds.

When thinking about the ways to help an alcoholic, leave the accusatory ‘you’ tone out of the conversation. Explain the ways in which his or her addiction has affected you and others involved. Describe the emotional and mental stress the behavior is causing. Some of your actions, although with the best of intentions, will backfire and fuel an addict’s alcohol abuse.

Support During Rehab

Dealing with an alcoholic isn’t easy, even for friends or family members. Fortunately, there are ways for you to help them overcome their addiction. People who struggle to control their alcohol consumption have alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD). They’re often preoccupied with drinking and let alcohol take over their lives.

Your loved one resides at a special facility for 30 to 90 days and receives treatments such as detox, therapy, and medication. When alcoholism affects a spouse or partner, it’s possible to become too wrapped up in their well-being. You may get to the point where you feel compelled to help your person get well. However, family members and friends often have deep emotional ties that prevent them from having the objective viewpoint necessary for treatment. Treatment of alcohol use disorder is an ongoing process.

How to talk to an alcoholic friend about their addiction

Today, healthcare professionals would say that a person has alcohol use disorder (AUD). When it comes to reducing alcohol-related stigma, words matter. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare. AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data. The Verified badge on our articles is a trusted sign of the most comprehensive scientifically-based medical content. If you have any concern that our content is inaccurate or it should be updated, please let our team know at [email protected].

So, what happens when you stop enabling someone with an alcohol or substance use disorder? It’s possible that after an enabling system is removed, the fear will force a person to seek help, but there are no guarantees. No matter how badly you might want to be part of your loved one’s life, do not engage in the behaviors with them. It is not uncommon for family members to feel abandoned by their loved ones who are misusing alcohol.

January is a very strong month as so many consumers are exploring ways to introduce non-alcoholic beer into their drinking repertoire. As a friend of someone addicted to drugs and alcohol, you can play an important role in helping support your friend’s recovery from addiction. There are many affordable addiction treatment options available. If your friend has health insurance, all or a portion of the costs may be covered by his insurance company.

Ready to make a change?

Encourage the person to find healthier ways of coping with life’s problems and rebounding from setbacks without leaning on alcohol. When someone spends a lot of time drinking (and recovering from drinking), quitting or cutting down can leave a huge hole in their lives. Encourage your loved one to develop new hobbies and interests that don’t involve drinking. Behavioral treatments include individual, group, and family therapy sessions. Treating alcoholism isn’t easy, and it doesn’t always work the first time around.

More in Addiction

Educating yourself about alcohol addiction can be a good start to getting your friend help. Doing the research and accessing resources, like attending Al-Anon or Alateen support group meetings, can educate you in ways to help your friend be successful in long-term recovery. If you think your friend may have an alcohol addiction, it may be difficult to know where to start in offering them help.

In many cases, alcoholics struggle with more than an alcohol use disorder. There are mental health issues and health problems to consider as well. Al-Anon and Alateen meetings are a great place to talk to other people who have experienced the struggle of an alcoholic family member or close friend. These support group meetings allow a safe space to connect with others. They can offer support and help direct you in the right direction when it comes to getting your friend help.

Support Before Rehab

Don’t consider your part done after your friend or family member is in therapy. Offer to help out with work, childcare, and household tasks if they get in the way of treatment sessions. A person who faces 12-step interventions and mutual support programs for substance use disorders an alcohol use disorder will most likely deny there is anything wrong with them. He or she may say the habit only helps them to take the edge off, even though you know they’ve been drinking in excess.

Supportive tips

If you have an alcoholic friend, then you know how difficult it can be to help them. You may be worried about their health and their drinking may be affecting understanding powerlessness and acceptance in early recovery your friendship. It is important to know that while you may feel helpless, frustrated and even angry at times, there is real help available to them.