If someone you love has a problem with alcohol, getting him the help he needs is important to his health---and your relationship. Medline Plus reports that around 17.6 million adults suffer from alcoholism or have problems controlling their alcohol consumption. Many people voluntarily get treatment every day, while others have trouble admitting they have a drinking problem. You may need to implement help from others in order to get him the treatment he needs.
Step 1
Discuss the issue with the alcoholic, face to face. Let her know that you care and you want to help. Explain to her that heavy drinking is wasting time and money, and harming relationships with family and friends.
Step 2
Seek the help of a professional counselor or physician. The "Journal of the American Medical Association" explains that counseling either individually or with friends and family members is an important part of pre-treatment, treatment and sober living. Counseling may also benefit you and the part your play in the life of the alcoholic. You can learn coping skills and ways to deal with the stress that is derived from alcoholism.
Step 3
Explain treatment options. Reiterate that you want to be a support system throughout treatment. This includes when he goes through inpatient and faces withdrawal symptoms. He may have to be under medical supervision in order to be able to cope with the physical effects of treatment. You can help with sober living assistance and give him support as he mainstreams back into the world. Remind him that you will be there through outpatient and AA programs.
Step 4
Tell her what can happen if she doesn't get help. This could be in the form of tough love. Explain that you will no longer enable her to be an alcoholic and you will have to detach yourself from her because the disease is negatively affecting you.
Step 5
Set up an intervention if necessary. This has to be handled delicately, explains DrugFree.org. If he is hesitant to get help, he may not participate voluntarily in an intervention or family meeting. An intervention does not involve taking him away against his will; rather, it is a round-table discussion that includes people close to him and others that can help him with his alcoholism and recommend a plan or course of treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- Never take away or hide alcohol from the alcoholic; this could spark an angry or abusive outburst. Instead ask the person to voluntarily dispose of it.
- Health problems such as kidney disease, liver disease and damage to other internal organs can be caused by alcohol but treated if an alcoholic gets help soon.
