How to Address a Loved One About Drinking
Addicts need to know that they have options. It’s not good trying to convince someone that they have a weed addiction or are involved in substance or alcohol abuse if you don’t give them options such as drug rehab centres and other alcohol addiction treatment options. They need to come to terms with the fact that they are addicted and then they need to know that there is hope and a life after the addiction. Here are some steps to follow if you are planning on addressing someone’s possible addiction for the first time.
Enlist Help
While you don’t want to bombard your loved one with tons of people, it may be helpful to enlist the assistance of one or two other people that care about your loved one. It’s harder for the addict to brush it off as your problem if there are several people of the same opinion there. You may even want to call in a therapist or doctor or an expert in alcoholism to help your loved one see that they are exhibiting symptoms and signs that they may be addicted to alcohol. Having a professional there will help when giving alcohol addiction treatment options should your loved one be receptive. As mentioned, you don’t want a crowd there but perhaps two other people that your loved one trusts and the doctor is plenty enough.
Rehearse
This may sound trivial but it’s important. You don’t want to go in there and shoot from the hip when confronting a loved one. You need to work together with the other people involved in order to formulate words that exhibit positive and supportive emotions. It’s important that the addict not feel judged, hurt or negative. Try using words such as ‘we love you and we are worried’ rather than ‘we are sick of your drinking habits.’ You should also prepare yourself for the fact that your loved one may brush you off entirely and not believe you. Decide together how you will proceed should this happen. On the other hand, there is always the chance that they will listen and agree to take action. At this point, you’ll need to know what alcohol addiction treatment options you will offer.
Be Honest
The best thing that you can do for someone is to be open and honest. A lot of times, an alcoholic may already realize that they have a problem but they are ashamed or embarrassed so it’s easier to deny it or ignore it. If you are honest about you feel about your loved one’s drinking, they often will come back with a negative reaction. Do not take it personal. Your job is to address the issue, be truthful, kind and honest and then it is up to them. You can’t force someone to admit they are addicted otherwise it will be counter productive. Alcohol addiction treatment options have to be sought after by their own choice. After you are honest, they may go away and think about it and realize that you are right. That would be the best case scenario but don’t be discouraged if that does not happen right away.
Don’t Forget About Yourself
If you have been successful in helping your loved one and they get themselves checked into a rehab center or something similar, you’ll need to remember yourself. The whole ordeal can be emotional straining on the caregiver or loved one of the addict but it’s easy to forget about that in your attempts to help your loved one get sober. There are programs designed for friends and family members of alcoholics if you feel that will be help. It’s common for loved ones of addicts to become stressed or depressed. In these cases, you could solicit the help of a counselor or a therapist. Surrounding yourself with others who are going through the same thing can be helpful in showing you that you are not alone and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you don’t take care of yourself, you are not going to be able to take care of your loved one. Make sure that you are functioning at your top functionality before trying to pour yourself into someone else.
