Are you wondering how to help an alcoholic? You might be if you are watching a loved one struggle with an alcohol dependency. While you cannot force someone into treatment, there are helpful things you can do to encourage her. Knowing that she has support from those who care about her could be the push she needs to make a positive change. To really help them, turn to a family therapy program to begin.
How to Help an Alcoholic Family Member in Positive Ways
Many people want to know how to help an alcoholic family member, but they do not know where to start. In addition, they are struggling with their own conflicted feelings about the problem. Loved ones wondering how to help an alcoholic are often confused, frustrated, angry, and embarrassed.
Tips on how to help an alcoholic include:
- Encourage her to seek addiction treatment services and offer to help out with any pets or children if she needs long term care
- Tell her that your concern comes from a desire to see her healthy and happy
- Show compassion and remember that she is not in control of her drinking anymore
- Consider planning an intervention with supportive family and friends
When you care about someone with substance abuse issues, you may put their needs before your own. But do not forget to help yourself by practicing self-care.
Things to Avoid When Trying to Help an Alcoholic
Just as there are helpful things to do when figuring out how to help an alcoholic family member, there are also ways that can set back any progress.
These include drinking with the person with the addiction and covering for her if she is hungover. Do not make excuses for her actions or clean up her messes. Remember that you cannot control her drinking, and trying to do so will just frustrate you. If she is verbally or physically abusive with you, let her know you will not accept such behavior.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do when wondering how to help an alcoholic family member is letting her take responsibility for her own behavior. She may wind up suffering serious consequences, but that could be the best way for her to realize she has to seek help for her problem.
Women-Focused Treatment in a Safe Setting
Do you want to know how to help an alcoholic family member? If she has expressed a desire to overcome her dependency on alcohol, you can point her to a quality treatment center like The Willows in Fairview, North Carolina. We are a women’s facility that offers a range of addiction therapy services.
Some of the treatment services we offer include:
Come experience treatment in our homelike, tranquil environment located on a peaceful old horse farm. Our compassionate team is ready to help you start on a positive path toward long-term sobriety. Call us today at 855-773-0614 to learn more.
