Have patience and accept that people with substance disorders may relapse and have to face consequences for their actions, such as getting in trouble with the law or losing their driver’s license. It impacts not just the person with the disorder, but their family and friends. It can make you feel helpless to watch someone you love sink deeper and deeper into the clutches of drugs and alcohol.
- Explore the startling social media addiction statistics & facts that reveal the global impact of our online habits.
- You can track your sobriety journey and support others taking the same path.
- Their GP will be able to assess their symptoms and drinking habits, and make recommendations for the next steps.
- But you can take this time to build upon the core elements of a strong relationship, including working on yourself.
How to Choose the Right Alcohol Addiction Treatment in the U.S.?
Alisa is DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)informed and brings her expertise to the therapeutic setting. Currently, Alisa is working towards a bachelor’s degree in psychology at California State University Fullerton, with the hopes of becoming a social worker. When not at work or school, Alisa enjoys fitness, watching the Boston Red Sox, salsa dancing, and spending time with family and friends. Often, individuals struggling with alcohol addiction need more help than friends and family can provide. Encouraging your loved one to seek professional help is critical. Whether it’s consulting with a healthcare what is alcoholism provider, joining a support group, or considering a rehabilitation program, emphasize that it’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to seek assistance.
Supportive tips
If you’re grateful for what they’re doing and the effort they’ve put in, share that gratitude. Drugs such as alcohol or opioids can cause dramatic physical withdrawal symptoms that are often dangerous if left untreated. But psychological withdrawal can happen as well – leading to people feeling fatigued, depressed, unmotivated, anxious, or insecure. This includes experiencing invasive drug cravings, feeling less reward from pleasurable activities, and discounting future rewards in favor of instant gratification. These changes will recover – but it often takes months or years of recovery for an addicted brain to return to normal. While these are all valuable goals for anyone in recovery, they’re better left to treatment professionals who have a wealth of experience and more objective perspectives.
Exploring Opioid Epidemic and Drugs in America
Avoid having the intervention when the person is intoxicated or dealing with a stressful situation. A time when they are sober and more likely to be receptive is ideal. Avoid arguing support for alcoholics or forcing them to accept they have a problem—this is about expressing concern and offering support, not demanding immediate change. Each person involved should prepare what they want to say in advance. Using “I” statements, such as “I’m worried about your health,” rather than accusations like “You’re ruining your life,” helps keep the conversation supportive instead of confrontational.
- Someone struggling with alcoholism may not see these signs as a problem, so you can’t always just confront them about their problems.
- You might be frustrated, scared or desperate for them to see the damage their drinking is causing.
- Explore which drug class has the highest potential for abuse and how to combat substance use disorders.
- They may be in denial about their addiction so it may take repeated conversations before they’re prepared to accept that their drinking is a problem.
- Talking to someone while they are under the influence never results in a positive conversation.
Who should be on the intervention team?
These approaches reinforce coping mechanisms and reduce the risk of returning to alcohol use. Participating in support groups like Al-Anon or Alateen enables family members to share experiences and gain valuable insight. These groups focus on helping those affected by a loved one’s alcohol addiction, offering emotional support and practical coping strategies. Connecting with others facing similar challenges can provide comfort and build resilience. For example, discussing how to handle relapses or improve communication with someone struggling with alcoholism creates a sense of empowerment within a community environment. Recovery from alcoholism or a drinking problem can be a bumpy road.
- It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in your struggle.
- An intervention is a carefully planned process that family and friends can do, working with a doctor or another health care professional, such as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.
- Family days at treatment centers are social, sometimes centered around an activity like a cookout.
- Common mental health conditions that co-occur with AUD are depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma- and stress-related disorders, other substance use disorders, and sleep disorders.
- Three medications are currently approved in the United States to help people stop or reduce their drinking and prevent a return to drinking.