Is your friend or family member drinking too much? It’s not just a bad habit; it might be an addiction. If you have known this person for a long time, you may already know that they’re struggling with alcoholism. But do you know what to do when the situation becomes serious and how to help them? This blog post will offer some advice on how to best help and alcoholics.
1. Listen
Alcoholics are very good at talking about their problems, and you are in a unique position to help them with this. Start by listening to them. Listen for a little while, and then reflect on what they have said to you. You will know more about them than most people in their lives because you have been around longer. If you care about the person, you will want to be a good listener. Listening is one of the most important things you can do, but it can also be challenging. Often people in your life will expect you to give advice or tell them what to do. Well-meaning friends and family members may even criticize them in this time of distress. Listening only means that you are willing to hear what they have to say.
2. Trust
Sometimes, you may be tempted to advise your alcoholic friend or family member, especially if they ask. But giving advice is hard to do and can make the other person feel even more uncomfortable. With your experience and knowledge, you are uniquely positioned to know what is right for them. When they finally open up to you, you can offer suggestions and help them better understand their problems. But never criticize them or advise them until they have asked for it. If they ask for your help, you will be seen as an excellent friend for listening to them. This is one of the best ways to gain someone’s trust and help them.
3. Don’t Abandon Them
Alcoholics often have a history of neglect from family and friends. Most alcoholics face personal problems, such as divorce, loss of a job, or some other difficult situation. Don’t abandon the alcoholic during their weakest moment. When they need you more than ever, it’s easy to walk away because you’re unsatisfied with their behavior. Don’t give up on them in their time of need. They will begin to wonder whether you are truly a friend or not, and this can lead the way to many problems. You may even be seen as an enabler for helping the alcoholic stay out of trouble.
4. Be An Example
Although you may know that they have a problem with alcohol, don’t let the person see that you are judging them or disappointed in them. Instead, be an example of how they should behave when they stop drinking. This can create a positive cycle and encourage them to cut back on their drinking. If this means that you have to stay away from certain social situations because it’s the only way to help them, then so be it. You will be respected for your selflessness and may even gain a new admirer in the process.
5. Support Their Goals
Being supportive doesn’t mean that you have to agree with their choices. Instead, let them know that you see their problems and are willing to help them in any way possible. Be sure that they know how much you care about them and back them up in tough times. Alcoholics may have trouble making new friends because they think that people will abandon them, so being supportive is a great way to bond with them.
6. Encourage Them to Seek Professional Help
When you see a person struggling with their addiction, they may begin to realize that they need help. This is when you can offer them support and encourage them to seek professional help. It may be hard for them, but the result will be worth it. If they do not seek help, then it is likely that they will suffer from their alcoholism for years to come. However, if you can get them to seek help, they will be on the road to recovery. Do not turn your back on your loved ones during their time of need. Instead, help them in every way possible to get better.
Conclusion
These are some of the best tips for helping an alcoholic. It is important to remember that you need to know the person struggling with their addiction to be effective. Try to listen and show that you care, never criticize them or offer unsolicited advice because this only worsens the situation.
If you, your friend, or your family member is an alcoholic and needs help, contact us today. Our professional counselors will be able to help you in many different ways. Our counselors are bonded and trained to help addicts at whatever stage they are recovering. Call us at 954-523-1167.