How to Live With an Alcoholic
Alcoholism is called a "family disease" because it affects the drinker and everyone close to the drinker. Living with an alcoholic is tumultuous and tiring. Family members often find themselves just as involved with the disease as the alcoholic. Follow these steps to help make living with an alcoholic as easy as possible.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Take care of yourself. Do what you need to do to make sure that you are alright. You can't help your loved one with alcoholism if you aren't operating at 100 percent. Your health is a priority.
-
2
Accept that it's not your fault. You cannot control anyone else's behavior and this is especially true of alcoholics. You can't make a person stop drinking. You can't force a person into recovery.
-
-
3
Learn about the disease. Understanding the nature of alcoholism will help you cope with the affects of your loved one's problem. Read literature to learn the ideal role for you to play in that person's potential recovery.
-
4
Seek help. There are support groups available for people in your position. Consult your local chapters of Alanon or Alateen. Speak with a counselor or a clergy person about your concerns. You don't have do it alone.
-
5
Allow the disease to take its course. This is likely the most difficult step, but you have to stop enabling your alcoholic. Stop cleaning up the person's messes. Don't police your loved one's drinking. Take a nonjudgmental but firm stance. An alcoholic needs to hit bottom in order to desire change.
-
6
Be patient. It is difficult to watch your loved one's life be destroyed, but resist the urge to step in. Be there when your alcoholic is ready to recover, but don't allow the disease to consume you too.
-
1
More Like This
Comments
View all 33 Comments-
I moved in with a guy that I dated from work, not knowing after I sold my house and moved in that he would drink everyday onced he became unemployed. He found a job but drink on weekends til he's drunk. He also has Diabetes. He knows I hate when he starts drinking and will either go outside in his garage or will go into his office room and close the door. As I sit in a differant room alone. I want to leave him and he knows it because I just deserve better. onced
-
thanks for the info. it gives me an idea on how to adjust myself.
-
I am living with a alcoholic for 17 years.
-
hunter1972
Nov 17, 2009
I am a happily recovering alcoholic for the past 2 years. My boyfriend though still suffers severe alcoholism. It is difficult to deal with him at times but, I understand it is not him I hate it is the disease I detest. This is what helps me..I keep myself busy with AA and Bible studies and meetings. I pray faithfully daily to GOD. GOD has not abandoned him and nor will I. My man is a great man despite his disease. For when you judge others, you also will be judged. GOD has revealed to me a couple of character defects of me that I am currently working on. By improving my own self I am more capable of living a content life with an alcoholic. I hope this is helpful. -
confusedwife
Mar 08, 2009
I've been married for 19 yrs living with an alcoholic and it just gets worse, the drinking. He drives home late at night and has started drinking on the weekends in the garage. We never see each other anymore b/c I can't bear to be around him when he drinks like this..I just hate to throw away 19 years b/c I love him still so very much...what should I do?
