Alcohol Control

How can you help someone stop drinking? 

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) impacts the sufferer and those in their life, such as their family and close friends. Knowing how to assist someone who has a drinking issue might be challenging. 

If a member of your family participates in Dry January, a month drinkers abstain, explain how it would affect their bodies. You should seek out and provide help if your loved one has a drinking issue. Although giving up alcohol is a personal decision, close relatives and friends can support you. In this post, we'll talk about how you can encourage someone to stop drinking.

What is alcoholism?

Alcoholism is the excessive and recurrent consumption of alcoholic drinks to the point where the drinker repeatedly suffers harm or causes harm to others. The harm could be societal, legal, economic, bodily, or mental. Most doctors, but not all, believe alcoholism to be an addiction and a disease because such use is thought to be compulsive and under noticeably impaired voluntary control. It differs slightly from "harmful drinking," an irregular drinking pattern that can damage your health.

How to discuss their drinking with someone? 

Speaking with someone about their drinking is difficult. You can be concerned that if you voice your worries, the other person will become angry, defensive, lash out, or merely deny that they are experiencing a problem. These are all common responses. Yet, that does not mean you should remain silent. If you don't speak up, your loved one's drinking is more likely to get worse before it gets better. 

Although being forthright and honest about your worries is crucial, you must remember that you cannot make someone quit misusing alcohol. They are free to decide. But you may support them by suggesting actions they can take to deal with their issue, such as phoning a hotline, consulting a doctor or counselor, enrolling in treatment, or attending a group meeting.

Ways to help someone stop drinking

1. Approach with care

Make sure you have a strategy before having a difficult conversation about alcoholism. Most importantly, avoid talking about the subject with them if they're drunk or emotionally unstable. Do not attack, criticize, or shame them; refrain from using harsh or accusing language. Be upfront with them about your worries and concerns, and avoid pressing them too hard. Change the topic if it makes them so uncomfortable. 

2. Find out the underlying cause. 

Your loved one may be drinking to help to overcome anxiety and despair. However, it can sound judgemental to inform them that they have depression. Instead, carefully enquire about what factors they believe may influence their drinking habits. Attempt to bring up some relatable common causes of alcoholism. They will feel more comfortable talking to you if you do it this way.

3. Manage stress

Stress may be caused by significantly adjusting one's lifestyle, such as quitting or reducing alcohol use. Similarly, abusing alcohol excessively is frequently a bad way to deal with stress. By encouraging your loved ones to exercise, interact with others, attempt meditation, or engage in other relaxation techniques like yoga, you can assist them in finding healthier ways to lower their stress levels.

4. Be supportive

Show your loved ones know you're willing to support them during rehabilitation by bringing up the topic with them. This will motivate them to continue their road to recovery without relapsing. Together, you may create objectives and even prizes for accomplishments. Keep in mind that recovery is a continual process that lasts after therapy. It will be easier to get ready if you know about both treatment and aftercare programs.

5. Involve other people

Keep going, even if you're still determining whether you can help. You can gain some insight from someone you know who has successfully stopped drinking if you are familiar with their journey. After that, consider how it relates to your loved one. Let them discuss their recovery journey with your loved one if they're good with it. Other family members who support or contribute to treatment are also helpful.

6. Seek professional treatment for them.

Effective detox and therapy can be given by therapists, doctors, and counselors that specialize in addiction. Also, they might aid your loved one in coping with unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Your loved one might be enrolled in an inpatient or an outpatient program. The severity of the addiction and the available resources may influence your decision. 

They can receive treatment through outpatient programs while going about their normal lives. Yet, inpatient or long-term rehabilitation programs demand that they spend their time in treatment in an alcohol-free environment.

Treatment for alcohol addiction

Some people may find it extremely difficult to reduce their consumption or stop altogether. Most people will require assistance or a long-term strategy to maintain control or abstain from alcohol entirely. Appropriate support may be essential to retaining control in the long run. Sometimes relying on family, friends, or caregivers is insufficient. If you have reason to believe a loved one has an alcohol use disorder, talk to them first. You might also volunteer to accompany them when they visit their doctor, who can direct them to valuable support resources.

Inquire with your doctor or the local alcohol service about the longer-term support options in your area.