A person with a drinking problem hurts himself and the people who surround him on a daily basis. Every person who has a problem with alcohol or other drugs affects at least four other people, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association says. Confronting someone with a drinking problem can be the first step in helping him repair damage to himself and others.
Step 1
Time your conversation so that it occurs shortly after the person's drinking has caused problems, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says. She may be more likely to recognize that she has a drinking problem if feelings are still fresh after an alcohol-related accident or family argument. Confront her in private when she is sober, but wait until you think you will both be able to stay calm.
Step 2
Discuss your concern with the person rather than lecturing him. Before you begin, imagine yourself in his shoes, and be prepared for him to respond in one of many ways. To start, ask him if he thinks he has a problem with drinking, and wait for him to answer. If he agrees that he is having a problem, pose questions that will help him help himself. These may include, “Why do you think you are having a problem with drinking?” and “What do you think you can do to reduce the problem?”
Step 3
State clear examples if she denies having a problem. If you’ve timed your conversation properly, point directly at the problem that has just occurred as a result of her drinking. Be prepared to specify other examples from the past. If she insists that her drinking had nothing to do with those problems, discuss how her drinking affects you personally. Tell her that you have trouble going out with her because you constantly have to babysit her while she’s drunk, Bucknell University online says.
Step 4
Provide information to him about alcoholism treatments you’ve researched. This will give him one less excuse to postpone getting treatment. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends that you lend your support by offering to go with him to his first treatment session or alcoholic recovery meeting.
Step 5
Recruit friends and a counselor to join you in a group intervention if the person still refuses to admit she has a problem. A therapist-led group intervention can strongly emphasize that her behaviors are problematic. Consider recruiting someone who is recovering from a drinking problem, because he could offer encouragement, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggests.
