How to help a struggling alcoholic

Know the signs - The first step is knowing how to identify alcohol addiction, You have to be well informed before you approach someone about it.

Rehearse what you’re going to say - You want to make positive and supportive statements instead of negative and presumptuous ones.

Pick the right time - Don’t approach them about the topic when they’ve been drinking. You want to wait until they’re sober to have the conversation.

Be ready for denial - The person may be in denial and lash out from a place of defensiveness, but don’t take it personally.

Offer your support - You can’t force someone into treatment, but you can offer them your support if they do. Try to be empathetic, nonjudgmental, and sincere.

Make a concrete plan together - Make a concrete plan together that details what changes they can make, how often they’ll go to meetings and follow up with them.

Don’t tell them what’s best for them - Try not to preach. You probably do know what’s best for them.

Don’t give them money - If they lose their job because of drinking or get into legal trouble. You should only give them money if it’s going directly to treatment.

Don’t take on their responsibilities - While it may feel instinctive to protect a loved one, they have to feel the consequences of their alcoholism or else it will be even harder to stop.

Intervene - It’s important to know that discussing your concerns and having an intervention are different.

Research treatment options - Ask a professional counselor for advice on how to get the person into treatment.

Offer to accompany them to meetings - It can be scary to go to doctor appointments, group meetings, or counseling sessions on their own, so offer to go with them.

Don’t drink around them - Even if you’re at home, don’t tempt them by having alcohol in the house.

Suggest social activities that don’t involve drinking - You can make a pointed effort to make plans that don’t involve alcohol.

Encourage them to find new interests - Encourage them to find new hobbies and interests, like taking a class to learn something new, spending time in nature hiking etc.

Learn some withdrawal coping methods - That said, there are some things that can ease withdrawal symptoms that you can suggest.

Take care of yourself - When helping a loved one recover, you must also focus on your own needs, as you cannot pour from an empty cup.