How to Help an Alcoholic

Understanding Alcoholism

Understanding alcoholism is the first step in figuring out how to help an alcoholic. This involves familiarizing oneself with the definition of alcoholism, its causes, and the warning signs.

Definition and Causes

An alcoholic is a term used to describe someone who has an alcohol use disorder (AUD). An alcohol use disorder is a pattern of alcohol use involving difficulty controlling one’s drinking, preoccupation with alcohol, and continuing to use despite personal and professional consequences. It further includes having to drink more to achieve the same desired effects (also called tolerance) and experiencing symptoms of withdrawal upon sudden cessation or rapid reduction of alcohol use.

Alcoholism affects not only the individual with the alcohol use disorder but also the entire family. The family dynamic, including mental and physical health, as well as finances, are negatively impacted by the loved one’s drinking.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Detecting potential alcohol abuse involves recognizing various warning signs. While many signs are recognizable, others may be more challenging to identify. The severity of alcohol abuse may also play a role in the warning signs a person exhibits. For example, some people try to cover their alcohol abuse by drinking in private and isolating themselves from others, making it challenging for family members or friends to intervene and help their loved one.

Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse are:

• Neglecting responsibilities
• Experiencing legal problems
• Engaging in risky behavior
• Neglecting personal hygiene
• Having relationship issues

(Alcohol Rehab Guide)

Screening tools like CAGE, a questionnaire that measures the severity of a drinking problem, can help determine if someone has alcoholism. If you answer "yes" to two or more CAGE questions, you should seek professional medical assistance.

Recognizing the signs of alcoholism is a crucial step towards helping an alcoholic. The earlier the intervention, the better the chances of recovery.

Read: Is There a Way to Tell If I Am An Alcoholic?

Impact of Alcoholism

Gaining a clear understanding of the impact of alcoholism is pivotal when figuring out how to help an alcoholic. It's an issue that extends far beyond the individual, affecting their health, their relationships, and their overall quality of life.

Effects on the Individual

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious health concern that affects more than 14 million adults aged 18 and older in the United States. The effects of alcoholism on an individual are profound and multi-faceted, impacting both their physical and mental health.

Physically, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a host of health problems, including liver disease, heart problems, and an increased risk of cancer. It can also lead to a weakened immune system, making individuals more susceptible to diseases.

On the mental health front, individuals struggling with alcoholism often face issues such as depression, anxiety, and increased risk of suicide. Their addiction may also lead to problems with work, relationships, and the law.

Yet despite these challenges, there is hope for recovery. Research shows that about one-third of people who receive treatment for alcohol problems have no further symptoms one year later. Many others substantially reduce their drinking and report fewer alcohol-related problems.

Effects on Families and Friends

The impact of alcoholism extends beyond the individual to their families and friends. In fact, it's estimated that 1 in 10 children live in a home with a parent who has a drinking problem.

Alcoholism can significantly alter family dynamics, often leading to increased conflict, instability, and emotional distress. It can also strain relationships, as the person with alcoholism may become unreliable, difficult to communicate with, or even abusive.

The financial implications of alcoholism can also be significant, with potential job loss, legal troubles, and medical costs contributing to financial instability.

But just as individuals with alcoholism can seek treatment and recover, families and friends can also find help. Support groups, counseling, and educational resources can provide much-needed support and guidance as they navigate these challenging circumstances.

In understanding these impacts, we can better appreciate the urgency and importance of effective strategies to help an alcoholic. The next sections will further explore these strategies, offering practical advice and resources for those seeking to help a loved one struggling with alcoholism.

Helping an Alcoholic

It can be heart-wrenching to see a loved one struggle with alcoholism. However, providing the right kind of support can make a significant difference in their recovery journey. This section will cover strategies on starting an initial conversation with an alcoholic and offering support while setting healthy boundaries.

Initial Conversation Strategies

One of the first and most important steps in helping an alcoholic family member is to educate oneself about alcohol use disorders. It is essential to gain a better understanding of the disease of addiction to better attempt to understand what the loved one is going through [1].

Before approaching the person, it's crucial to prepare and practice what you want to say. This can help keep the conversation focused and reduce the likelihood of the discussion spiraling into arguments or accusations.

During the conversation, being supportive is key. Remind the person that you care about them and are concerned about their well-being. Avoid negative or harsh statements that could make them defensive. Instead, focus on expressing your feelings and concerns in a non-judgmental manner. Remember, the goal is to encourage them to get help, not to blame or shame them for their addiction.

Offering Support and Setting Boundaries

Providing support, listening intently, and offering resources are crucial ways to help an alcoholic family member. However, it's equally important to set healthy boundaries to prevent enabling their addiction. Remember, change must come from within the individual. Trying to force them into treatment or recovery may not be effective and could harm your relationship with them [1].

Support could come in various forms, such as helping them research treatment options, accompanying them to therapy sessions, or simply being there for them emotionally. However, setting boundaries is equally important. Make it clear that while you're willing to support their recovery, you won't enable their addiction. This could mean refusing to provide money for alcohol, not covering up for their mistakes, or not allowing drinking in your home.

By understanding alcoholism, starting a supportive conversation, and offering help while maintaining healthy boundaries, you can play a crucial role in helping a loved one overcome alcoholism. Remember, it's a complex disease that requires patience, understanding, and professional help to overcome.

Treatment Options

When contemplating how to help an alcoholic, it's important to consider various treatment options. These can include behavioral treatments and counseling, medications, and peer support groups. Each of these components can play a critical role in the recovery process.

Behavioral Treatments and Counseling

One of the most effective strategies in alcohol recovery is behavioral treatment, which aims to change drinking behavior through counseling. These treatments are usually led by health professionals, and are supported by studies that demonstrate their efficacy.

Behavioral treatments may involve individual or group counseling, and they can be implemented in an outpatient or residential setting. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and marital and family counseling can be used to address the root causes of alcoholism, build healthy coping strategies, and foster a supportive environment for recovery.

Role of Medication in Recovery

Medications can also play a critical role in alcohol recovery. Currently, three medications are approved in the United States to aid in reducing or stopping drinking and preventing relapse. These medications are usually prescribed by a primary care physician or other health professional, and can be used alone or in combination with counseling [3].

These medications work in different ways. Some can reduce the craving for alcohol, while others can create adverse effects when alcohol is consumed, thus discouraging drinking. It's important to note that these medications are not a cure for alcoholism, but they can be an effective tool in the recovery process when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Importance of Peer Support Groups

Peer support groups can offer an additional layer of support for people seeking to quit or reduce their drinking. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step initiatives provide a community of individuals who are going through similar experiences and can offer understanding and encouragement.

In addition to AA, there are other support groups available. For instance, SMART Recovery™ is a global community offering resources for individuals dealing with various types of addiction, including alcoholism. Members can participate in worldwide face-to-face meetings or access digital resources, such as a 24/7 chat room, message board, and daily online meetings.

These peer support programs can play a significant role in recovery and can be combined with other interventions for relapse prevention [5].

By understanding and leveraging these treatment options, those who are wondering how to support an alcoholic can provide effective assistance, fostering a path towards recovery and a healthier lifestyle.

Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention is a crucial part of the recovery process for individuals dealing with alcoholism. Diverse strategies are used to prevent relapse, including therapy and skill development, medications, and monitoring. By integrating these strategies, it is possible to maintain sobriety and continue on the path to recovery.

Therapy and Skill Development

Therapy plays a significant role in relapse prevention by providing individuals with the skills they need to manage cravings and eliminate harmful behaviors. Several therapy options are available, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, contingency management, and community reinforcement approach.

These therapies are designed to address the psychological aspects of addiction, teaching individuals how to cope with triggers, manage stress, and improve their overall well-being. With the help of a trained therapist, individuals can learn to navigate the challenges of recovery and maintain long-term sobriety.

Role of Medication

Medication can also play a vital role in preventing relapse. Depending on the substance, different medications may be prescribed. For instance, disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate are commonly used for alcohol addiction. In contrast, methadone and buprenorphine are used for opioid addiction, and bupropion is used for nicotine addiction.

These medications work in different ways to reduce cravings, block the effects of alcohol or drugs, or manage withdrawal symptoms. However, medication should always be used in conjunction with therapy and other relapse prevention strategies to ensure the best possible outcome.

Importance of Monitoring and Peer Support

Monitoring is another essential aspect of relapse prevention. Various methods such as urine drug screens, breathalyzers, skin monitors, saliva tests, and hair follicle drug tests can be used to detect alcohol or drug use. These methods provide objective feedback about substance use, helping individuals stay accountable and focused on their recovery goals.

Peer support is also significant in relapse prevention. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and peer recovery coaches can help individuals feel less isolated, gain practical advice, and find encouragement from others who have been through similar experiences.

In conclusion, relapse prevention is a multifaceted approach that requires a combination of therapy, medication, monitoring, and peer support. With the right strategies, it is possible to help an alcoholic achieve and maintain sobriety.

Resources for Assistance

In the journey of helping an alcoholic, having access to the right resources can make a significant difference. There are numerous resources available, ranging from national and local helplines to specialized resources for different communities.

National and Local Helplines

SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) is a confidential, free, 24/7, 365-day-a-year service providing referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations for individuals and their families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. In 2020, this helpline received 833,598 calls, marking a 27 percent increase from 2019 when they received 656,953 calls [6].

For individuals in Canada who need help with substance use, there are various services available such as hotlines (1-800-668-6868), text support (686868), and online resources. These services can be accessed by anyone in need, anywhere in Canada.

Online Resources and Support Groups

Online resources and support groups can provide invaluable assistance and camaraderie for those dealing with alcoholism. Resources such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Al-Anon and Alateen, SMART Recovery™, and Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) offer a variety of support options, including in-person meetings, online forums, and telephone support.

Specialized Resources for Different Communities

Different communities may have unique needs when it comes to substance use support. For First Nation, Inuit, or Métis individuals struggling with substance use, there are culturally sensitive resources available such as the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program and National Youth Solvent Abuse Program [7].

For individuals dealing with a combination of substance use and mental health issues, services aimed at addressing the link between mental health and substance use are available.

Furthermore, in response to the opioid crisis, naloxone kits are made available for free and individuals can learn how, when, and why to use them through resources such as the Canadian Mental Health Association's Naloxone 101 Toolkit.

Knowing how to help an alcoholic is just the first step. Having the right resources at hand can provide the necessary support and guidance, making the journey towards recovery more manageable.

References

[1]: https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/blog/help-alcoholic-family-member/

‍[2]: https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/alcohol/warning-signs/

‍[3]: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help

‍[4]: https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/

‍[5]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551500/

‍[6]: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

‍[7]: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help-with-substance-use.html