When someone has an addiction to drugs or alcohol, it can affect everyone around them. Most importantly, it can affect family members who are close to the person. If you have a parent, child, or sibling suffering from alcoholism, you may go through various emotional and mental problems or have a strained relationship. You may not know how to help an alcoholic family member.
An alcohol addiction rehab center in New Hampshire offers an extensive treatment program that can help a family recover from even the most severe addictions. The best way to convince someone to go to rehab is to have a plan in place before you confront the person. If you need help with intervention, your best option is to seek guidance from a treatment professional.
How to Help an Alcoholic
Alcoholism is something that occurs over time. Most families are unaware of alcoholism until the person starts exhibiting destructive behaviors. However, even when you notice that someone has a problem with drinking, you still may not know how to help an alcoholic family member. Here are some tips to help get you started:
- Expose the Problem – It is understandable if a loved one’s alcoholism embarrasses you. However, hiding the problem will not help it. It is better if the alcoholic feels shameful for their action. This will cause them to do something about it. Therefore, do not avoid social occasions or time spent in public. The more the person feels embarrassed for their action, the more likely they will do something about it.
- Talk to Your Family Member When They Are Sober – It is easy to lose your temper and get on to someone when they are drunk. However, your effort is futile, and your words will likely go in one ear and out the other. Wait until your family member is sober and can process what you are saying. You are more likely to get their attention.
- It Is Time to Set Some Boundaries – Boundaries are hard to keep because they often come with consequences and require a great deal of effort. You also have to be mentally strong to deal with confrontations. However, boundaries can quickly wake someone up from their addiction. Set firm boundaries and stick to them. It makes the family member realize they cannot continue their alcohol addiction.
- Get Help and Get Strong – You may be unable to help your family member. However, you should not go downhill with them. If you start to exhibit negative thoughts or behaviors such as anxiety, anger, depression, or addiction yourself, then it is time to get help. You can also seek treatment at a substance abuse treatment center, even if you do not have an addiction.
Do You Help Confronting a Loved One?
If you would like to find out more about how to help an alcoholic family member, contact Granite Recovery. We offer a comprehensive alcohol detox center, rehab, and aftercare for alcoholism. Call us at (855) 712-7784 to seek treatment for substance abuse. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in an emergency.
