Getting Help for an Alcoholic
A spouse, sibling, child, or parent is using alcohol. You know it’s out of control. What do you do? Alcohol abuse changes families and people so much that it’s hard to know how to help an alcoholic. You have the best of intentions, but they don’t seem to understand that. When it comes to finding help, reach out to our alcohol addiction treatment at Alina Lodge. Our team is here to support you on this path.
Can You Help an Alcoholic?
It’s a misconception that you cannot help an alcoholic. Many people believe that nothing will change unless they make the decision to change. That is true to a point. What is also important to remember is that someone needs to be there to support, guide, and push them into that care for change to really occur. People with alcohol abuse tendencies have no real ability to stop using on their own.
What Does Alcohol Abuse Do to You?
Alcohol abuse is a very serious disease. When you begin to use alcohol to the point of being unable to stop drinking, it’s hard to turn that addiction off. Alcohol use can cause dependence, a situation in which your brain and body become so used to the substance that it cannot function properly without it. A person who needs help is unlikely to be able to stop using alcohol on their own. It simply is hard to do because of the intensity of dependency.
So, How Can You Help an Alcoholic?
When you have a loved one facing these challenges, it’s essential to do something. There are several steps that you can take, including:
Reach Out to Get Information on Treatment
Even before talking to them about their alcohol abuse, reach out to a team that can help you. At Alina Lodge, we offer treatment programs designed to help those with all forms of alcoholism. Some of the programs we offer include:
- Residential treatment program
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
- Alcohol detox program
- Men’s rehab program
- Women’s rehab program
Once you find out where help is available to you, the next step is to get them into that treatment.
Discuss Their Problem with Them
With alcohol abuse, you will likely get some pushback. People will tell you that they can control their use. They will say they can stop if they wanted to. Yet, present them with concrete facts that show how much alcohol has impacted you and them. Provide them with clear evidence that there is a problem, such as discussing finances, work relationships, family problems, and changes in their personality and behavior.
Use only the facts. Then, discuss what’s really happening now. To help an alcoholic through this difficult time, you may have to make some real decisions and promises to them. Here are some things to consider:
- You cannot allow them to be in your life until they get sober.
- You will support them if they enter into treatment now.
- Monetary support is not available for their continued use.
- No more excuses will be made for their behavior, mistakes, or lack of attention to responsibilities.
- You’re ready to be there for them after treatment as well.
You can help an alcoholic. You have to be consistent and supportive.
Find the Resources You Need at Alina Lodge
You can help an alcoholic to get the support he or she needs. To do so, you need to reach out to them and learn more about their specific needs. You also need to find treatment for alcohol abuse. Our team at Alina Lodge can offer that. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us online or call 833.685.1700 to get started.