Tips For Approaching a Friend or Loved One About Their Drinking
Do Talk Openly and Honestly: Express your love and concern, but don’t judge or accuse. It’s important to talk about how much you care for your loved one and how you want to help them get well. Alcoholism is a disease and your loved one is sick. You wouldn’t approach someone with heart disease with shame or guilt - nor should you treat your addicted loved one this way. Remember to also ask “Is there anything you need from me?”
Consider A Third Party: If your loved one is in denial or not responding to your initial attempts at conversation, it may be helpful to consult a professional interventionist. A professional in this role can make recommendations about how to best approach your loved one about her drinking issues for optimal results.
Find Support For Yourself: Many people who have a loved one struggling with substance abuse or addiction focus entirely on their loved one and neglect their own emotional health. It’s critical that as part of addressing this issue you also get help for yourself. Facilities such as Caron Texas offer a 5-day family education program – that is free for those with loved ones attending the program. Al-anon is also a free 12-step program where you can find a caring community.
Create A Safe Space: If you are really concerned about a friend/loved ones drinking during upcoming occasions – consider eliminating alcohol from your festivities. Instead, serve refreshing blends of lemonade, iced tea and juice – and keep the focus on family or friendship.
Be Prepared: If your loved one is ready for help – it’s best to have a few options in place. You may want to have a psychologist on deck prepared to do a behavioral assessment to determine the most appropriate next steps for treatment. You may want to locate a few area 12-step meetings – so they have a safe place to go immediately for support. Additionally, it may be helpful to find out what their insurance provider supports or what scholarship options may be available for treatment. For more information, call Caron Texas at 1-800-678-2332.
