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Step 1
Let an alcoholic face the consequences from their actions. Being there to always bail an alcoholic out of trouble is not helping them, it sometimes makes the situation worse. They will probably think that there is no harshness to drinking and keep on getting in trouble. However, if you let a loved one suffer the consequences with no intervention from you, they may stay out of trouble and thus may start to drink less.
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Step 2
Talk to your loved one after a drinking episode. After a loved one has sobered up, talk to them. The most important thing to remember here is to lend a listening ear. An alcoholic may be more likely to admit to having a drinking problem if you listen. Some alcoholics think the world is against them; others have psychological problems that have forced them into alcoholism. However, there is only one thing most alcoholics have in common, they want someone to talk to. You should keep this in mind when dealing with an alcoholic.
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Step 3
Be aware of 12 step programs that help alcoholics. The number of programs available varies by community. The types of programs available to help alcoholics include: independent Alcoholics Anonymous programs, hospital programs, faith homes and some communities even offer 12 step programs contingent upon your cultural background. Along with the support of family members and loved ones, encouraging an alcoholic loved one to participate in a 12 step program can expedite their path to recovery.
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Step 4
Remember to be patient. People experiencing alcohol problems recover at different rates. Perhaps the most important thing to remember when coping with an alcoholic loved one is to be patient, no matter the circumstances. Rushing an alcoholic to recovery is a big mistake, because they are already having a hard enough time trying to quit. If you physically or verbally rush an alcoholic to recovery, they may never recover.
Comments
sweetleo said
on 8/24/2008 Good article