How to Help Someone with Alcohol Addiction

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Understanding how to help someone with alcohol addiction in Nashville, TN can be challenging and emotional. It’s natural to want to fix the problem, but it’s important to recognize that recovery ultimately depends on the person coping with alcohol use disorder. While you can’t force someone to stop drinking, there are meaningful ways you can offer support and encourage them to seek the help they need.

TN Detox Center is here to help. We want you to know how to help someone you know who drinks too much, while giving yourself grace and setting boundaries. By understanding the signs of alcohol use disorder and taking steps to support those in need, you can make a positive impact on their recovery journey. When your loved one is ready to enroll in drug and alcohol treatment in Nashville, we’ll be here to help.

Young man in a counseling session, seeking help for addiction recovery, illustrating the process of detoxing from heroin.

Understanding Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction, often referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic condition that impacts around 18 million people in the United States alone. It goes beyond casual drinking, with consuming alcohol becoming a compulsion despite negative consequences to health, relationships, and daily life.

There are actual criteria that can be used to formally diagnose someone with alcohol use disorder. Like all substance use disorders, signs that someone has an addiction disorder include:

Consuming larger amounts of alcohol or drinking over a longer period than intended.
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of alcohol.
Experiencing cravings, or a strong desire or urge, to use alcohol.
Recurrent alcohol use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.
Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use.
Recurrent alcohol use in situations where it is physically hazardous, such as driving or operating machinery under the influence.
Continued alcohol use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or worsened by alcohol.
Developing a tolerance, which is defined as needing increased amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired intoxication or effect, or experiencing a diminished effect with continued use of the same amount.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, or consuming alcohol (or a closely related substance) to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

If you’re wondering how to help someone with alcohol addiction, the first step is to understand for yourself whether someone’s drinking is problematic. At TN Detox Center, we offer a drug and alcohol assessment that can help determine the severity of someone’s addiction. This can help guide you in finding the appropriate level of care and treatment for your loved one.

Recognizing the Signs of Alcohol Addiction

The above criteria are meant to help people who drink heavily determine if they have alcohol use disorder. But what if they keep their drinking a secret, or don’t share their concerns with you? There are certain outward signs of alcohol addiction that you might be able to pinpoint. Learning how to help an alcoholic also involves recognizing these signs, or making an effort to understand them, so you can encourage your loved one to get help from premium alcohol rehabilitation programs. These include the following.

Physical Signs

Certain physical signs can indicate that someone is drinking excessively, is currently intoxicated, or even has health problems associated with drinking. Jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes, for instance, is an indicator of liver damage. Other physical signs to look for include:

Unexplained weight loss or gain
Changes in appetite
Frequent headaches or migraines
Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
Tremors or shaking hands
Slurred speech
Bloodshot eyes

If you notice any of these physical signs, it may be a good idea to have an honest conversation with your loved one about their drinking habits and potential health concerns.

Behavioral Signs

In addition to physical indicators, there are also behavioral signs that could suggest problem drinking. These can include changes in behavior, mood swings, and neglecting responsibilities. Some specific behavioral signs to look out for include:

Irritability or aggression
Defensiveness when asked about drinking habits
Secretive or sneaky behavior related to alcohol consumption
Neglecting important tasks or responsibilities
Isolating oneself from friends and family
Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence of alcohol (e.g. driving under the influence)

If you notice these changes in your loved one’s behavior, it’s crucial to address them and express your concerns. Offer support and encourage them to seek help if needed.

How to Approach Someone You Think Has Alcohol Addiction

Approaching someone about their alcohol addiction requires sensitivity and preparation. If you want to know how to help an alcoholic recognize that they have a problem, here are some approaches to consider.

Choose the right time and place

It’s always best to wait until your loved one is sober to have a conversation about their alcohol use. If you choose to confront your loved one while they are intoxicated, they might not remember or take your concerns seriously. Additionally, choose a private and comfortable setting where you can have an open and honest conversation without distractions.

Express your concerns with care

When talking to someone about their alcohol addiction, it’s important to approach the topic with compassion and understanding. Avoid using accusatory statements or judgmental language, as this may only cause them to become defensive. Instead, express your worries and concerns from a place of love and support.

Listen actively

It’s crucial to listen actively when having a conversation about alcohol addiction. Allow the person to express themselves without interruption or criticism. This will help them feel heard and understood, which can make them more receptive to your advice and support. Pay attention to their body language and tone of voice, as these can also convey important information about how they’re feeling.

Educate yourself

Before having a conversation about alcohol addiction, it’s important to educate yourself on the topic. This will not only help you better understand what the person is going through, but it will also allow you to provide accurate information and support. Take time to research the effects of alcohol abuse, the signs of addiction, and available alcohol addiction treatment options. This will make your conversation more productive and meaningful.

Offer support

When talking to someone about their alcohol addiction, offer your support in any way you can. Let them know that you are there for them and ready to help in any way they need. This could include helping them find resources for treatment, going with them to appointments or meetings, or simply being a listening ear when they need to talk.

Encourage professional help

While offering support is crucial, it’s also important to encourage your loved one to seek professional help for their alcohol addiction. This may include therapy, counseling, support groups, or an alcohol rehab program in Nashville like TN Detox Center. Explain the benefits of seeking professional help, such as receiving specialized treatment and having access to trained professionals who can provide the necessary support and resources.

Validate Their Concerns and Emotions

It’s important to validate your loved one’s concerns and emotions surrounding their alcohol addiction. Let them know that you understand how difficult this journey may be for them and that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, scared, or ashamed. Offer solutions, such as exploring outpatient treatment at first instead of inpatient treatment. The more solutions and validation you provide, the easier it can be for your loved one to listen and potentially seek treatment.

What NOT to Do When Helping An Alcoholic

While it’s natural to want to help, some actions can unintentionally enable harmful behavior. Here are things to avoid if you want to learn How to Help an Alcoholic Family Member without damaging your relationship with them.

Don’t enable: Avoid covering up for them or excusing their behavior, as this can prevent them from taking responsibility.
Don’t threaten or shame: Criticism or ultimatums can drive them further into secrecy and resistance.
Don’t expect instant results: Recovery is a long process that requires patience and understanding. Don’t pressure them to change overnight.

Learning what NOT to do is often as important as knowing the right steps to take, as it ensures you’re providing the best possible support.

What if My Family Member Doesn’t Want to Enroll in Rehab?

Unfortunately, it takes quite a long time for someone with alcohol addiction to seek treatment. Research shows it takes an average of 8 years from the onset of addiction to someone finally getting help for alcohol use disorder. Keep this in mind when approaching your loved one about rehab. It may take time, patience, and multiple conversations before they are willing to enroll in a treatment program.

If your family member is resistant to the idea of rehab, here are some possible reasons why.

Denial: Many people with alcohol addiction struggle to admit they have a problem. They may believe that their drinking is not causing any harm or that they can stop anytime they want.
Fear: The thought of giving up alcohol can be scary for someone who has been using it as a coping mechanism for a long time. They may also fear the unknowns of rehab – what will happen there? Will it work?
Stigma:Stigma: Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding addiction and rehab. Some people may be afraid of being judged or labeled as an “addict” if they seek help.
Cost: Rehab can be expensive, especially for those without insurance coverage. This can be a major barrier for those who are considering seeking treatment.
Lack of support: The decision to go to rehab is a big one and it’s important to have a strong support system in place. Without the support of friends or family, some people may feel hesitant or unsure about entering rehab.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s important to address these barriers head on and problem-solve with your loved one. Know that their concerns are valid, and be solution-oriented when speaking to your loved one.

Knowing how to help an alcoholic family member starts with being educated on their treatment options, and sharing that knowledge with them. Let them know that they are not alone in this journey and that you will be there to support them every step of the way.

Self-Care For People With Alcoholic Family Members

Supporting someone with alcohol addiction can be emotionally draining. To offer meaningful help, it’s essential to take care of yourself too. You can take care of yourself by:

Setting boundaries: Know your limits and protect your own mental health and well-being.
Seeking support: Join a support group for family and friends of those struggling with addiction, such as Al-Anon. You can also explore family therapy options for alcohol addiction in Nashville.
Practice self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you recharge. This is not selfish but necessary to remain strong.
Understand it’s not your fault: You are not responsible for their addiction, nor can you “fix” them.

Helping someone you love is admirable, but you can only be truly effective if you care for yourself first.

Alcohol Addiction Resources in Nashville Available for Support

Luckily, there are plenty of resources to help both you and your loved one. If you want to know how to help an alcoholic family member, here are some additional resources besides TN Detox Center’s alcohol rehab in Nashville.

Alcohol Detox Center: Alcohol detox offers a safe, supportive environment for detox and recovery.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): A global fellowship that helps individuals recover from alcoholism. There are tons of different meetings across Nashville, which can be found online.
SAMHSA National Helpline : The National Drug Helpline at (844) 289-0879 is available 24/7 for those interested in alcohol rehab and addiction treatment.
Online resources: Websites like National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and NAMI can provide valuable educational material on alcohol addiction and mental health.

Encourage your loved one to take advantage of these resources when they’re ready, and don’t hesitate to use them for yourself as well.

Help your Family Take the First Step Toward Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Taking that first step toward recovery is often the hardest, but helping your loved one do so can make all the difference. By recognizing the signs of addiction, approaching them with care, and offering understanding support, you become a powerful ally in their recovery.

Remember, when your loved one feels ready to begin treatment, resources like our alcohol detox, inpatient rehab, and outpatient alcohol rehab in Nashville at TN Detox Center can provide the structured care they need to reclaim their life. Call us today at (629) 262-5675 to explore alcohol addiction treatment options.

Supporting a loved one through addiction is challenging but deeply rewarding. Stay patient, stay strong, and remember that hope and healing are always possible.