How to Cope With a Loved One's Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a disease that affects not only the alcoholic. Family and friends of an alcoholic can be in social settings and situations that are uncomfortable and possibly even dangerous. If you have a friend or family member struggling with this disease, here are some tips for helping you cope with his alcoholism.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Talk to the person struggling with alcoholism. This is best done when the person is sober and in a private setting. Let them know what the disease is doing to both them and their family.
2. Be positive when addressing the addiction of alcoholism. Let them know that you will support their efforts to get better, and you will be available to offer encouragement whenever needed.
3. Set clear boundaries. It is important to support the alcoholic, but it is not necessary to support the addiction. Don't allow the person to be around you when they are under the influence of alcohol, and actively choose not to support an unhealthy environment for either of you.
4. Seek professional therapy or counseling from a licensed psychologist. An experienced counselor will be able to address the complex issues that go along with alcoholism and the devastating effects of the disease.
5. Participate in a support group with other families experiencing the same crisis. It will help you to be able to talk to other people that are going through the same difficulties.
6. Take part in an intervention program that is guided by a professional experienced in alcoholism. Invite other friends and family members who have been negatively impacted by the loved one's alcoholism to participate.
7. Stop any behaviors that have enabled the alcoholic to hide in their addiction. Don't lie to other family, friends, co-workers or employers for the fear of exposing their disease.
8. Educate yourself through the many resources available to you. Learn about the disease, and you will be able to better help yourself and the alcoholic.

Tips & Warnings

• Be honest with yourself about a loved one's addiction.
• Work together with other family members to make decisions and support one another.
• Remember that your safety is important. A person struggling with alcoholism will most likely not behave in his or her normal manner.
• Avoid blaming yourself or the alcoholic for past decisions or behavior.
• Alcoholism is a life-long disease in which relapses may happen. Repeat the steps that have been successful in the recovery of the disease.