It’s painful watching someone you love struggle with alcohol addiction. As you know by now, alcohol abuse affects more than one person.
You want to talk to your friend or family member, but you don’t have the right words.
What should you do?
In this situation, education is the first step in creating dialogue.
Before you talk to your loved one, it’s important that you learn as much as you can about the disease and understand it from their point of view. This knowledge will guide you when it’s time to have that talk, arming you with what to say and how to say it to encourage your loved one to get help and visit an alcohol treatment center in Ohio.
Recognizing the Signs of Addiction
Are you worried about your loved one’s alcohol consumption, but aren’t sure whether they have a problem or if their drinking habit is ordinary?
It’s fine for people to enjoy a drink occasionally, so it may not be easy to spot the signs of a problem. Furthermore, there is no specific amount that constitutes an alcohol problem. There is still a way to recognize the signs. If you notice your loved one’s drinking has started to affect other areas in their life, they may have a problem.
Have you noticed any of the following warning signs?
- Neglects their responsibilities, whether at home or work, to drink or recover from a hangover.
- Starts drinking earlier than before and binge drinks throughout the day.
- Lies about their drinking consumption and tries to hide their drinking from you.
- Has frequent blackouts after drinking.
- Drinks to self-medicate because of a problem, such as recent unemployment or a mental health condition.
Their alcohol consumption becomes a problem when their drinking affects their life and, despite the negative consequences, they continue to drink. Fortunately, alcohol use disorder is a treatable condition. There are many treatment options available, such as visiting our alcohol rehab center in Ohio, where we provide a drug and alcohol detox program and an aftercare program for our patients.
How to Start a Conversation – Make a Plan
Now that you have read up on alcohol addiction, you have a better understanding of what this person is going through. You want to start a conversation but you don’t want them to get angry or lash out. You certainly don’t want them to deny having a problem. What you do want is for the conversation to go according to plan – so, first, you must create one.
- Think about your main concerns with your loved one’s drinking habit. Write down all the ways that it affects you.
- Focus on their health and wellbeing and how their drinking habits, like staying out late at night to drink, can be detrimental.
- Don’t use labels like “alcoholic” or “addict.” Labels are counterproductive, as they make people get defensive.
- Remember to be understanding and avoid pointing fingers or placing blame on your loved one.
- Don’t make demands. Let them know how you feel and that you want them to get help, but in the end, you understand it’s their decision and you won’t force them.
Continuously remind yourself of these considerations, as they can open the door to a very constructive conversation. Remember that timing is important. Make sure you talk to them when they aren’t drinking or drunk. Location is also important, as you don’t want to be surrounded by distractions or interrupted during your conversation. If you bring your cell phone, make sure to put it on silent.
How to Encourage Someone to Seek Help
It is unlikely that your loved one can overcome their alcohol problem on their own. The best course of action is to seek help at an alcohol treatment center in Ohio to receive medical guidance, support, and to develop coping skills. Still, it will be difficult convincing them of this.
They probably feel vulnerable, so remind them that they aren’t alone. Stay by their side whenever you can, such as attending doctor appointments, support group meetings, and therapy sessions if they prefer.
Understand that this is a journey. It will be long and challenging, particularly if your loved one undergoes alcohol detox in Ohio. It takes hard work and commitment, but with time your loved one should overcome their addiction. For help, contact our alcohol rehab center in Ohio. Call 513-714-3400 to schedule an appointment.
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