How to Convince an Alcoholic to Get Help

Be supportive and caring toward an alcoholic loved one.

When someone you care about has an alcohol problem, it can be difficult to approach him to discuss it. Alcoholics often will not accept the fact that they have a problem and are not willing to get help until they are ready. In fact, approaching your loved one about her problem may create friction and resentment. Sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom before someone will realize he needs help. You can, however, try to convince your loved to get help by discussing how alcohol is affecting her life negatively. If you feel your loved one is a danger to himself, seek help from law enforcement or a medical professional or an intervention involving an addiction specialist.

Instructions

1. Show your loved one that you are there for support throughout his recovery. Do not threaten or be judgmental toward him. Show her that you care and will not turn your back. Provide transportation to rehabilitation appointments or help out with errands and chores while she is going through therapy. Be available to talk.

2. Listen to your loved one and try to get to the root of the problem. Alcoholics often drink in part because of stress, depression or other problems. You may be able to help just by paying attention or helping him figure out solutions to his underlying problems through a heart-to-heart discussion. Maybe there are other steps she can take to solve problems without drinking, such as talking to her work supervisor, looking for a new job or breaking off a tumultuous relationship so she can focus on herself and her problems.

3. Encourage your loved one to get help from a professional, being firm but not too aggressive. She must know how serious you are, but if you push too hard it may backfire and cause your loved one to withdraw. Provide information on recovery groups or individualized treatment. Al-Anon is a good place to start seeking information on treatment options. The organization has no membership dues and is completely anonymous and confidential.

4. Wait for your loved one to surrender to his alcoholism and realize he needs help. This is a very difficult process that may take a long time and may never happen. Be patient and wait for her to seek help. If he refuses treatment and becomes a danger to himself or others, contact a professional. Call the police if she becomes violent or threatens to drive drunk. Call emergency medical responders if he becomes ill. Stage an intervention involving an addiction specialist and as many of the alcoholic's loved ones as possible. Arrange for her to go into a rehabilitation program immediately and let her know you will all be there for her when she gets out, helping her to live sober.

References

• Troubled With: How to Begin an Intervention
• Spiritual River: Confronting an Addict or Alcoholic in Denial
• Spiritual River: How to Help an Alcoholic

Resources

• Al-Anon/Alateen: Home Page