Alcohol addiction is a chronic problem that many people deal with. Unfortunately, alcoholism does not affect only the addict; even the people around him or her experience difficulties owing to dependence on the drug. If your loved one is having problems controlling their consumption of alcohol, you may be at a loss on how to help them. One of the enormous challenges you may face is convincing them that they need help in the first place. This is because denial forms a big part of addiction.
The first step to stop your loved one from spiraling down the bottomless pit of alcohol addiction is to arm yourself with as much information as you possibly can about the disease. Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a disease that is characterized by a person’s inability to control their consumption of alcohol. Other symptoms of the disease are an inability to stop drinking despite encountering adverse effects from the habit, feeling upset or distressed if you don’t indulge in drinking, and denying that your drinking is getting out of hand.
The disease is a relapsing ailment. This means that even those who recover may find themselves confronted by the same problem again. It also has a genetic aspect to it. If your parents, or members of your family, have an addiction, you may encounter the problem too. Environmental factors can worsen or even trigger the condition. If you are often stressed or overwhelmed by life, you may use alcohol to escape your real-life problems, only to find yourself unable to control the habit. The effects of alcoholism are profound and far-reaching and may include marital problems, financial problems, losing employment, and problems in the family.
How to Choose a Treatment Facility for Your Loved One?
After gathering information about the disease, you should then look for a treatment facility for your loved one. Facilities differ in many aspects. From their guiding philosophies to their preferred method of treating the disease, to the costs, each alcoholism treatment center is unique. This is why you should take some time to research different facilities before you settle on one. Some of the factors to consider are your loved one’s level of dependency on alcohol, their personality, and their previous attempts at giving up the habit.
Also, consider an institution’s reputation before you choose it. What do those who have been there have to say about it? What are their recovery rates? Is the staff compassionate and helpful? Will they offer your loved one the support they need? What about the location of the institution? Can you visit your loved one when you need to, without facing undue difficulties? What about the treatment costs? Can your insurance contract cover them? If not, are the services reasonably priced? If you feel that a treatment institution is a good fit for your loved one, by all means, go ahead and choose it.
The third step in helping your loved one is to sit them down and have a conversation about their problem. This is more difficult than it seems. Be ready for your loved one to react negatively to your suggestion of getting help. Remember, they probably are in denial about their dependence on alcohol. While you can clearly see the destructive effect that alcohol has on their lives, they may not be as clear-minded as you are. They may become angry, even violent if you insist on treatment. They may sulk or withdraw when you offer your thoughts on the issue. But don’t let their reaction weaken your resolve to get help.
If you want to, you can even get prior guidance from an expert counselor on how to have this difficult conversation with your loved one. If the first talk is not successful, schedule another one. Keep talking about it until they accept that they need help. In all your conversations, remember to be calm, but steady, loving, but firm. And most importantly, don’t be blindsided by promises to change, or arguments that the problem is not as severe as you think. If all else fails, plan an intervention, preferably with a counselor or other people who care about the addict.
The final step is to commit your loved one to a rehabilitation program. Rehabilitation is the most effective way to deal with addiction. Most programs offer medical treatment to combat the effects of alcohol withdrawal, which is the key reason why most people relapse into the destructive habit. The facility will also provide therapy sessions to help your loved one come to terms with their problem and to find practical solutions to the factors that led them to alcoholism. Finally, the program may also offer long-term care in the form of peer support groups.
Trying to save a loved one from alcoholism is an uphill, yet highly commendable task. If you are in this position, take courage. With the right support and professional help, there is a good chance that your loved one will escape from the grip of the disease. If you have any questions regarding how to help your loved one better, don’t hesitate to contact us promptly at 833-820-2922. We will be delighted to help you in any way we can.