Addiction- a disease that makes you selfish to see the havoc that you have created!
Alcohol addiction is a condition in which the person doesn’t have control over how much they should drink. Alcoholism is the technical term which defines someone who is suffering from an alcohol use disorder.
In fact, the NIAAA (National Institute On Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism) defines AUD (alcohol use disorder) as problems like heavy or binge drinking. According to the reports from NIAAA, over 18 million people only in America are living with the addiction.
Furthermore, alcohol addiction is a biological, psychological and social disease. It’s more like a multifaceted illness as it not only affects the alcoholic but also to the family and loved ones.
While it is difficult to know how you should react knowing that your loved one binge drinks, if any of these things are true, it’s time to help them!
When Is The Time To Help An Alcoholic?
- You are worried about how much and how often someone drinks
- They are drinking more and for a longer duration than intended
- When your loved one is craving alcohol and having a strong urge of drinking
- They are trying to cut alcohol, but are unable to do so
- Spending a lot of time drinking and then feeling sick
- Drinking interferes with daily activities like school, work or family responsibilities
- Giving back on enjoyable activities
- Being in a situation when excessive drinking or intoxication lead to danger
- Experiencing symptoms like irritability, restlessness, shakiness, sweating, nausea and more
How Should You Approach Alcoholism?
Study About The Disorder:
Alcoholism or Alcohol Use Disorder is more than just drinking too often. So, before doing anything to help your friend or loved one, you should know whether or not they are suffering from addiction.
Sometimes, alcohol as a coping mechanism or a social habit might look like a person suffering from alcoholism, however it’s not always the same. Also, people with the AUD, don’t drink in moderation; so, do an in-depth study and or seek help from treatment centers like Austin drug rehab.
Communicate With The Person:
It is very important to let the person know that you care and are always available for help. So, before communicating, formulate statements that are supportive and positive. Don’t say anything that is hurtful, negative and presumptuous.
Be an active participant when discussing things; this will help you bring up the specific concern. You can’t mention the adverse effects of alcohol directly by saying,’ you are an alcoholic; you need help.’ Instead, let them know that you love them and how much the person is important to you.
Make Them Feel Comfortable:
People often use alcohol as self-medication to curb depression and anxiety. Since the alcohol relaxes your sense and makes you fall asleep, people drink this to drown sorrows and to relieve anxiety.
So, ask your loved ones about the problem. Try to find the issue, but do not sound accusatory, especially if your loved one know that they suffer anxiety or depression.
Wait For The Right Time And Place:
Since you are going to discuss important things, choose the right time and place where you know you will have privacy.
Also, avoid any disturbances and interruptions so that you can have full attention to the issue. Don’t make the person upset with other issues and thoughts.
Be Open And Honest:
If the person is too alcoholic, the best help you can do is to have a clean and open conversation. Simply saying that they will become better is not going to do any help. Instead, tell them that you are concerned about their drinking.
Let them know that you want to help them. While you will face denial and anger from the person, give time and let them understand what you are saying.
Show Your Concern And Offer Help:
As said, ‘you can’t make an addict stop from addiction, they will stop only when they are ready.’ So, don’t force them to go for the treatment.
Instead, let them decide if they want to take the help. Be empathetic, sincere and nonjudgmental. Urge your loved one to get into the treatment and have a follow up on them.
Of course, it takes a lot of courage to let someone believe that they are addicted to alcohol. As many alcohol users who suffer addiction deny, but if your loved ones are ready to fight back, the above tips will help!