Alcohol abuse and addiction

Alcohol abuse and addiction (also known as “alcohol use disorder”) don’t just affect the person drinking. It affects the people around them as well, especially those who are closest to them.

If you have a loved one with an alcohol abuse problem, it can be difficult to understand how they could end up in such a bad place after seemingly developing their drinking habits out of nowhere or without your knowledge. You might even begin wondering if there’s something wrong with you.

It’s important to remember that alcoholism is a disease the same as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, and it doesn’t discriminate. People from all walks of life can develop a drinking problem at some point in their lives. And while alcohol abuse may be more common among certain demographics, it can happen to anyone.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the struggles of alcohol addicts and how you can help them find their way back from addiction. This article will also offer some valuable advice on what not to do when trying to support someone with a drinking problem because sometimes the best intentions can actually cause more harm than good.

 

Recognizing the signs of a problem of alcohol abuse

How do you know if someone has an alcohol problem? The answer to this question isn’t simple. While some signs are more obvious than others, there is no black-and-white rule for identifying a person who may be struggling with alcoholism. One of the best ways to determine whether or not your loved one might have developed an alcohol use disorder is to sit down with them and talk about their relationship with alcohol.

There are signs you can watch out for, though. If your loved one has been spending less time at work or school due to what they say are “hangovers” or other symptoms of being hungover, this may be a red flag that something drinking problem. Other signs of alcohol abuse include:

Drinking alone or in secret

Having a strong craving for liquor and other drugs, even if they’re not around where they could be used

Drastically changing their mood after drinking

Alcohol is a depressant, so it can actually make people feel more depressed than normal after they drink. For example: becoming more outgoing, giddy, aggressive, violent

Frequently having “blackouts” where they don’t remember large chunks of their day

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut down on their drinkings, such as tremors or nausea. Experiencing “blackouts” where they don’t remember large chunks of their day.

Experiencing medical problems

Long-term alcohol abuse can cause medical problems such as liver disease, heart disease, pancreatitis, and cancer of the mouth or esophagus.

Long-term effects don’t stop at physical health either. Chronic alcoholism can also lead to emotional and psychological problems that negatively impact the overall quality of life.

Having an increased tolerance for alcohol

If your friend starts bragging about being able to “ hold their liquor” or saying they can “drink anyone under the table,” this is a sign that it might be time to intervene. meaning they need more of it in order to feel the same effects.

Making excuses for not being able to control their drinking

It’s common for an alcoholic to blame everyone else except themself when something goes wrong. Maybe they’ll say their boss gave them too much work or that a family member overreacted to something that they did when drunk. If your loved one starts making excuses for the way their behavior changes after drinking, this is another red flag that it might be time to get help.

Having legal problems

One sign that your loved one might be struggling with alcohol addiction is if they’re in trouble with the law because of their drinking. Even something as simple as receiving a DUI can indicate that your friend or a family member has become dependent on booze and isn’t able to stop when it comes down to making life-altering decisions like driving under the influence.

If your friend or a family member has been arrested for causing trouble while drunk, it’s a sign that they might have an alcohol problem. If you notice them coming up with strange excuses to explain why they were so intoxicated at the time of their arrest – such as being drugged by someone else, having food poisoning, etc.

Losing interest in things that used to matter most

If you noticed that your friend or loved one is losing interest in activities that were once a big part of their life, this could be a sign that they’ve become dependent on alcohol. Imagine your friend was really into hiking but now all they want to do is drink – there might be an issue going on here. If they are becoming less interested in things like working out at the gym, hanging out with friends or family members, and even doing things around their home – it could be a sign that they’re struggling to quit drinking.

There are many signs you can watch for if you think your loved one may have an alcohol addiction. While every case is unique, there are some common warning signs. If you notice any of the above signs and symptoms in a loved one (or yourself), it’s important not to ignore them. Drinking alcohol is never without consequences – even if you’re not an addict, it can still cause problems for your physical and mental health. This is especially true when someone drinks in excess.

No one should have to suffer alone with a drinking problem – even if they don’t think they need help, there are always ways to get them back on track. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, don’t hesitate to call us at Dark Horse Recovery at 623-404-8247 today for more information on how we can help.

What should I do if I want to help a loved one overcome their drinking problem?

• Acknowledge that the person’s alcohol use is causing problems for them
• Listen to what they have to say without judgment
• Don’t try and solve things on your own; let professionals intervene with alcohol treatment.
• Tell family members so you can all support each other in the recovery process.
• Don’t drink around them – this can actually cause more harm than good because it reinforces alcohol use as a coping mechanism and encourages addiction to continue. Instead of spending time drinking with your friend, offer to go on a walk with them or have coffee so you can talk about things other than drinking.
• Don’t try and “drink your way through it.” Being an alcoholic is not something that can be fixed by partying all night long. In fact, this will only encourage negative behaviors because the person will associate drinking with fun and relaxation.
• Don’t make it a “big deal,” as this might cause them to become defensive or resentful
• If they are open to change, offer your support – whether that means going through the process of getting help together or simply being there for social events where alcohol is present.
• Don’t make excuses for the person – instead, hold them responsible for their actions and show that you won’t tolerate it anymore.
• Don’t try and fix things on your own; let professionals intervene with medical treatment. Let the person know you are there for whatever they need help with.
• Offer support groups when/if they want to get better, whether that means going through the process of getting help together or simply being there.

 

How to talk to someone about their drinking

If a loved one has an alcohol problem, there are ways to help support them on their journey toward recovery. One of the most important things is not letting others isolate themselves from those who care about them. Talking about alcohol takes courage; it is a sensitive subject and can be difficult to approach. But sharing your concerns with the person and letting them know you’re there to support them in their journey towards wellness is a vital step.

It might be hard for some people to open up about their problems, but this can actually make things worse if they continue drinking every day because of feelings of loneliness or anger that go undealt with. Here are some steps on how to start this conversation:

Pick the right time and right place to talk to someone about their drinking. Don’t do it when you are both drinking.

Let them know they can trust you and that this conversation will stay between the two of you – don’t gossip or share what was said with anyone else.

Acknowledge that the person’s alcohol use is causing problems for them

Start by telling your loved one how much their alcohol use is affecting you, and make sure, to be honest.

Don’t judge the person or act like you know everything about addiction.

Let them know that it is never too late for change and they are not alone in their struggles.

Try asking open-ended questions instead of giving advice, which can come across as judgmental if the person feels attacked.

Listen to what they have to say without judgment

Don’t try and solve things on your own; let professionals intervene with medical treatment – don’t drink around them – this will only encourage negative behaviors because the person associates drinking.

 

Encouraging your loved one to get help

Offer to go with them or help find their own treatment options. Be available so that if they are ready for change, you can be there. Even simply having someone to talk about it with is helpful in the early stages of recovery because every alcoholic has experienced feeling alone and isolated before getting sober.

If your loved one is open to change, don’t make excuses for their negative behaviors. Instead of talking about the positive aspects of drinking and how it makes them feel good or helps them relax or socialize, talk about what alcohol is doing that might not be so great in a non-judgmental way. Remind your loved ones that they are not alone

 

Treatment options

The best treatment for alcoholism is a personalized treatment plan that can be molded to fit any particular individual.

• Choosing the right rehab center and type of program is very important because everyone has different needs when it comes to alcohol abuse, so they should seek out what will work best with their situation, personality, and budget.
• Self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. There are also online support communities that can be helpful when you don’t have a lot of people in your life who understand what it’s like to be an alcoholic but want to still get the support needed.
• Partner with the person in your life to find an option that works best for them and their individual needs. Just because one method worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will work well enough for your loved one or vice versa, so be open-minded about what might help them change. Don’t be afraid to suggest different options either.
• Residential treatment facilities are a good option if the person feels like they can’t function without alcohol and is not able to quit on their own or attend outpatient treatment due to addiction. This gives them time away from work, family, friends, etc., so they can focus solely on getting sober.
• Inpatient rehab centers for those with severe drinking problems who need medical supervision and detox.

 

Get involved in your loved one’s life

Give them a reason to live and fight for their sobriety, even if you might feel like quitting drinking is the only thing they care about right now. This could make them feel isolated or guilty which can worsen their moods and behaviors.

 

Supporting your loved one’s recovery

Encourage your loved one to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings

Offer transportation or give them a ride if they are not able to drive themselves. This shows that you are willing to go the extra mile for their sobriety and can help with accountability which is important in early recovery when it comes to avoiding triggers, relapse, etc

Remind your loved ones that you are always there for them if they need a place to stay, food, or anything else.

Don’t push them into going out with friends or family until they feel ready and strong enough to handle it without alcohol in their system. Be patient while they work through this process because isolation can lead to relapse.

Give your loved ones the space they need to feel comfortable approaching you with any questions or concerns that may come up during recovery; don’t force them into a conversation unless they are ready and willing to have it. You can always offer support but remember, this is their journey, so let them take the lead on how much involvement they want from you.

If they relapse, don’t give up on them, and remind yourself that recovery is a process, so it’s okay if things go wrong along the way as long as your loved one keeps trying to get better. Make sure you are there for support when they do decide to try again because this can be an extremely difficult time for those who relapse.

Be patient and give it time as they work toward recovery even if things don’t go as planned or your loved one relapses, make sure you are not adding more stress to their life by pressuring them into moving too fast when they may be ready to take on certain situations but still need support throughout the process.

Don’t enable them, and this means not buying their alcohol or giving them money to buy it, allowing them to drive if they have been drinking, and so on. You can still support your loved one’s sobriety by helping them find treatment options and being there for emotional support, but you don’t want to be putting yourself at risk.

Alcohol addiction treatment

• Prioritize your own health and well-being and limit alcohol consumption.
• Ask for support from family, friends, or other loved ones if you are feeling overwhelmed by the situation.
• Have a plan in place to cope when things get tough, which could include exercise, meditation, etc. When it comes to coping mechanisms, make sure they are healthy because self-medication through alcohol can lead your loved one right back into addiction.
• Avoiding your loved one’s triggers can be difficult if you are around them 24/365, so it’s okay to step away from the situation for a while and take some time for yourself. This is not selfish; remember that they need support too!
• It’s important to have boundaries
• It’s okay to take time for yourself if you need it
• Go out with friends and family so that you don’t feel trapped at home around your loved one. You can offer support by attending meetings or offering transportation, but also make sure you are taking care of your own needs as well because this is a stressful situation, and no one can be on non-stop 24/365. You don’t have to feel guilty for wanting a break from the situation, and you shouldn’t if that’s what your gut tells you, listen to it!
• Be kind to yourself as well as those around you because this is an extremely stressful time for everyone involved, so make sure you are allowing yourself to have a break from the situation as well.
• Being patient and supportive can go a long way in helping your loved one recover from alcoholism so don’t push them into doing anything they aren’t ready for, be there if/when they need you but also allow them time to work through this difficult process on their own.

 

Summary

Help is never too far away. The struggles of having an alcoholic friend or family member can be difficult, but you have to take care of yourself as well. Your loved one needs support from those around them, so let them lead the way on how much involvement they want and give it time throughout this process even if things don’t go as planned, your loved one will become stronger in the end.

People with alcohol use disorder have a higher likelihood of relapsing, so don’t enable them by buying their alcohol or giving them money to buy it, and don’t allow them to drive if they’ve been drinking. Alcohol abuse goes hand in hand with drug abuse, so it’s important to have boundaries in place if your loved one is abusing both substances.

Don’t pressure your loved ones into doing anything they aren’t ready for, and allow them time to work through this difficult process on their own. When it comes down to coping mechanisms, make sure you are choosing healthy ones like exercising or meditating because self-medication is not the answer when trying to cope with stress related to addiction.

Treat alcohol dependence slowly, and do not pressure your loved one into doing anything they aren’t ready for.