Talking with a Friend Who Needs Help for Alcohol Addiction
Have you noticed that a friend or family member seems to have a problem with alcohol? It can be hard to witness someone you care about struggling with alcoholism. You may want to approach the person about their drinking but don’t know how to bring it up or what to say. It’s never easy to talk to someone about problem drinking, but it’s often necessary. It’s possible that your friend does not realise that they have a problem, or that they may deny it. Regardless of their reaction, stay calm and remember that you have their best interests in mind and that your concern may be the thing that spurs them to think about getting help for their alcohol addiction. Don’t hesitate to start the conversation; the sooner you bring it up, the sooner your friend can seek treatment. Here are some tips to help you out.
Have a Heart-to-Heart
It can be hard to decide to initiate a conversation about alcohol abuse. However, if you do it in a supportive and compassionate way, the conversation just might change your friend’s life. Before beginning the talk, set up a time for the two of you to meet up, preferably when your friend is sober. That way, they can understand what you’re saying and openly discuss their thoughts or feelings about it. Approaching someone about alcohol addiction while they’re drunk may make them more defensive.
Communicate Positive Messages
Remember that you’re more likely to get a positive response when your message is positive. Express how much you care about the person and how much it hurts you to see them struggling. Mention that you want to see them get better because you love them. Offer to listen to anything they want to talk about or even to attend a support group meeting with them. Having a strong support system in place can make it more likely that a person will stick with their recovery program and successfully stop drinking.
Encourage the Person to Seek Professional Alcohol Addiction Help
There are many resources for people seeking help with alcohol addiction. Before your talk, gather some information for them about treatment options. If your friend is receptive, discuss local treatment centres, and the types of therapy they feel would be the most helpful. Taking an interest in your friend’s recovery may help encourage them to seek treatment and work towards their goals of sobriety. Keep in mind that no matter how much you encourage your friend to seek professional help, it’s ultimately their decision. Don’t try to force the issue or give ultimatums if they refuse.
Addiction Recovery Programs at DayHab
DayHab in Melbourne is a treatment centre providing a range of treatment options for people struggling with alcohol or drug abuse. We offer a multi-disciplinary approach that includes individual counselling, group therapy, educational presentations, and ongoing support and aftercare groups. Choose from inpatient or outpatient services; we can help each client choose the best option for them. If you know someone who needs help with alcohol addiction, encourage them to contact DayHab and find their best path to recovery.