How to Deal with an Alcoholic

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

From a broader perspective, understanding alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a crucial step to knowing how to deal with an alcoholic and to provide the necessary help and support.

Definition of AUD

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It affects more than 14 million adults aged 18 and older, with 1 in 10 children living in a home with a parent who has a drinking problem, according to NIAAA.

Impact on Individuals and Families

The impact of alcohol abuse and addiction extends beyond the individual with AUD. It also significantly affects their families and loved ones. Family life can be disrupted, leading to financial and legal difficulties. The situation may further escalate into mistreatment or abuse of family members.

Moreover, AUD can trigger a range of distressing emotions in family members, such as shame, fear, anger, and self-blame. This emotional toll on families underscores the importance of support for both the individual battling alcohol addiction and their loved ones. HelpGuide.org provides valuable resources for those in need.

Understanding AUD and its impacts is a critical first step in addressing this issue. This knowledge can guide individuals and families in seeking the right help and support, and taking the necessary steps towards recovery. As they navigate this path, they should remember that they are not alone and that there are numerous resources available to aid them on this journey.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder

When dealing with alcohol use disorder (AUD), it's important to know that there are various treatment options available. These include behavioral treatments, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups or peer support.

Behavioral Treatments

Behavioral treatments aim at changing drinking behavior through counseling. These treatments have been backed by numerous studies, showing that they can be beneficial for individuals suffering from AUD. Behavioral interventions may involve individual or group counseling sessions and could incorporate various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, or family therapy. The primary goal is to develop the skills necessary to stop or reduce drinking, build a strong social support system, and cope with or avoid triggers that might cause relapse.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves the use of medications to help people stop or reduce their drinking and prevent relapse. Currently, three medications are approved in the United States for this purpose, and they can be prescribed by a primary care physician or other health professional. These medications can be used alone or in combination with counseling, offering a comprehensive approach to treatment. It's important to note that these medications are not a cure for AUD, but they can significantly help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Support Groups and Peer Support

Support groups and peer support programs offer a valuable layer of support for individuals dealing with AUD. Programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery, and Celebrate Recovery provide an environment where individuals can share their experiences, learn from others who have faced similar challenges, and receive encouragement and understanding [1].

These mutual support groups can be found in most communities at low or no cost, and increasingly online, making them easily accessible to those in need. Participating in these groups, coupled with professional treatment, can significantly enhance recovery outcomes.

In conclusion, understanding the available treatment options is a crucial step when figuring out how to deal with an alcoholic. It's important to remember that every individual is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Therefore, it is recommended to consider various treatment options and choose the one that best suits the individual's needs and circumstances. Additionally, seeking help from healthcare professionals can provide guidance and ensure a safe and effective recovery process.

Recognizing Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Identifying the signs of alcohol abuse is a crucial step in learning how to deal with an alcoholic. These signs can be categorized into two main types: behavioral indicators and physical indicators.

Behavioral Indicators

Alcohol's impact varies from person to person, making it challenging to recognize the signs of a drinking problem. However, certain behavioral changes can indicate potential alcohol abuse.

The following are some behavioral signs of alcohol abuse, as per American Addiction Centers:

• Frequent anger or moodiness
• Often appearing intoxicated
• Losing interest in relationships or activities that were once enjoyed
• Being unable to refuse alcohol
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Experiencing financial or legal issues as a result of drinking
• Using alcohol to avoid negative emotions or cope with stress

It's important to note that consuming more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men could indicate an alcohol use disorder. However, only a physician can officially diagnose someone with an AUD.

Physical Indicators

In addition to behavioral changes, physical signs can also indicate potential alcohol abuse. However, it can be difficult to recognize these signs, especially if a person is trying to hide their alcohol use [4].

According to American Addiction Centers, some physical signs of alcohol abuse may include:

• Bloodshot eyes
• The smell of alcohol on the breath
• Increased sleepiness or lethargy
• Unsteady gait

Recognizing these signs can be the first step toward getting help for a loved one suffering from alcohol abuse. It's important to remember that genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects an individual's body and behavior. If you suspect a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse, it's crucial to approach the situation with understanding and seek professional help.

Approaching a Loved One About Alcohol Use

Addressing a loved one's alcohol use is a delicate process that requires understanding, patience, and compassion. It is vital to approach this topic with sensitivity, keeping in mind that addiction is a complex condition that affects both the individual and their loved ones.

Educating Yourself

A crucial part of dealing with an alcoholic is to first understand the nature of alcohol addiction. It's important to learn about addiction and alcohol abuse and explore different types of treatment and self-help options available [3]. This knowledge will help you provide the necessary support and resources, and guide your loved one toward recovery.

Resources for understanding alcohol addiction:

• Online articles and guides.
• Books on addiction and recovery.
• Information from local or national health organizations.
• Advice from professionals in addiction treatment.
• Support groups for families dealing with alcohol addiction.

Remember, every person's journey with addiction is different. What works for one person may not work for another. By educating yourself, you can better understand your loved one's struggles and help them find the best path to recovery.

Having Honest Conversations

Once you have a solid understanding of alcohol use disorder, it's time to have an open and honest conversation with your loved one about their drinking. This conversation should be approached with patience, understanding, and without judgement. It's crucial to remember that you cannot force someone to stop drinking. Rather, you can offer them steps they can take to address their problem, such as calling a helpline, talking to a doctor or counselor, entering treatment, or attending a group meeting.

When having this conversation:

• Choose a time when your loved one is sober and you both are calm.
• Express your concerns about their drinking, using specific examples when possible.
• Avoid blaming, criticizing, or using guilt to persuade them to stop drinking.
• Listen to their thoughts and feelings without interruption.
• Offer them your support and suggest resources for help.

Remember, these conversations are difficult, and change may not happen immediately. It's important to be patient, persistent, and to continue offering your support. Together, you and your loved one can work toward recovery.

Setting Boundaries and Providing Support

When dealing with a loved one who is struggling with alcohol use, it is important to set boundaries and provide the necessary support. Dealing with an alcoholic can be challenging, but understanding the importance of boundaries and staying involved in treatment can make a significant difference.

Importance of Boundaries

Boundaries are essential when dealing with a person struggling with alcohol use disorder. These set lines help protect oneself from the substance user's manipulations, break entitlement, and hold them accountable. Without consequences, the substance user is unlikely to see a reason to change [6].

However, it's vital to note that a lack of healthy boundaries can lead to resentment among family members, causing internal conflicts. Not setting family boundaries can pit family members against one another, with the only one benefiting being the addict or alcoholic.

Many primary enablers often struggle with codependency, allowing others to do things they would prefer not to do in order to gain approval or avoid confrontation. Without boundaries, substance users will continue to take advantage of those who allow them to walk all over family members [6].

In essence, boundaries are crucial to protect individuals from enabling and allow the substance user to feel the consequences of their actions while holding them accountable. They are also key to helping the substance user move through the stages of change and see the need for change. Without boundaries, the substance user is likely to stay in their destructive patterns.

Those who need to set boundaries include anyone potentially affected by the addiction or who may enable or comfort the addiction. Boundaries should also apply to recovering addicts and alcoholics as well. It is important for the recovering substance user to set boundaries with toxic family members who are not in recovery to protect themselves from returning to a dysfunctional family system.

Staying Involved in Treatment

Staying involved in your loved one's treatment for alcohol use disorder is crucial for their recovery. Providing family support, participating in counseling, making behavioral changes, and helping with treatment plans can all contribute to your loved one's successful recovery journey.

Having treatment options readily available when speaking with a loved one with an alcohol use disorder is important, as timely intervention is critical for effective treatment outcomes. People with addictions tend to slip through the cracks if treatment is not immediately available [7].

Confronting a loved one with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) can be challenging, and seeking support for yourself through resources like therapy can help you feel supported and provide additional strategies for addressing the person's alcohol misuse problem.

In conclusion, setting boundaries and staying involved in treatment are critical steps when dealing with a loved one who is struggling with alcohol use disorder. Through these steps, you can help your loved one navigate their path to recovery and help establish a healthier dynamic within your family.

Resources for Help and Support

When handling a situation involving alcohol use disorder, it's critical to know where to turn for professional help and support. Numerous resources are available, offering different types of assistance, from helplines and hotlines to online platforms and culturally sensitive programs.

Helplines and Hotlines

Helplines and hotlines provide immediate assistance and guidance for those dealing with alcohol use disorder. They can offer advice on how to deal with an alcoholic, connect you with treatment programs, and provide support during crises. For instance, St. John Ambulance is one organization that can be contacted for assistance in dealing with substance use [8].

Online Support and Resources

Online resources offer a wealth of information and tools to help individuals and families affected by alcohol use disorder. These resources cover a wide range of topics, from understanding the relationship between substance use and mental health to seeking information on using substances for pain treatment. Online platforms provide the flexibility of accessing support and information at any time, which can be particularly invaluable for those in remote areas or for those who prefer a degree of anonymity while seeking help.

Indigenous and Culturally Sensitive Programs

Cultural sensitivity is key when addressing alcohol use disorder. Recognizing this, there are programs specifically designed for Indigenous peoples. Programs such as the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program and National Youth Solvent Abuse Program offer culturally sensitive resources to help with substance use issues. These programs incorporate cultural practices and beliefs into their treatment approaches, providing a more inclusive and respectful support system for Indigenous individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder [8].

When navigating the complexities of alcohol use disorder, remember that help is available. Whether it's through a phone call, an online forum, or a culturally sensitive program, support is out there. It's crucial to reach out when needed, for both the individual dealing with alcohol use disorder and those around them. It's a journey, but with the right resources, it's a journey no one has to undertake alone.

References

[1]: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help

‍[2]: https://dhhr.wv.gov/office-of-drug-control-policy/newsletters/Pages/Evidence-Based-Treatments-for-Alcohol-Use-Disorder.aspx

‍[3]: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/helping-someone-with-a-drinking-problem.htm

‍[4]: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/help-someone-who-is-misusing-drugs-or-alcohol

‍[5]: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243

‍[6]: https://family-intervention.com/blog/family-boundaries-and-addiction/

‍[7]: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/how-to-talk

‍[8]: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help-with-substance-use.html