Alcoholism is a serious problem that affects millions of people, including friends and family members. Therefore, it is essential to know how best to deal with an alcoholic in order to assist them on their journey towards sobriety. This blog post will provide you with information on the three different types of alcoholism, as well as some tips for dealing with an alcoholic family member or friend.
How To Deal With Your Alcoholic Family Member Or Friend?
#1 Figure Out What You Want To Do About The Situation
The first step in dealing with an alcoholic friend or family member is to figure out what you want to do about the situation. Do you want to continue trying to help them, or are you ready to give up? It is important that you be honest with yourself and decide what is best for you. In addition, you should also determine what your end goal is.
For example, do you want to help them stop drinking, or do you just want to show support? Again, it’s important that you be honest with yourself and figure out what the best option for your situation is. If at any point in time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by their behavior, remember that there are always other options available.
For example, you can temporarily cut off contact with them if they have been acting unreasonably toward you. Or perhaps taking a step back from the situation might give both of you some much-needed space, so things don’t escalate as quickly when either one of them drinks again.
#2 Talk To Them About It
The best way to deal with an alcoholic friend or family member is by talking to them about it. This can be a difficult conversation, but it’s vital that you express your concerns and feelings to them. They need to know how their drinking is impacting you, as well as what you’re willing and not willing to do in order to help them.
If they are unwilling to seek treatment or get sober, then you might have to distance yourself from them until they are ready to make a change. It’s important that you set boundaries for yourself and stick to them – this will help keep you safe emotionally and mentally. Remember, this isn’t something that you can fix on your own; you need help in order for things to change.
This might be a difficult conversation to have, but you shouldn’t let your fear of conflict prevent you from helping them get better. It’s essential that you remain calm and non-judgmental during the entire discussion in order for things to go as smoothly as possible.
#3 Consider Whether You Need Help From A Professional
If you find that you’re struggling to deal with your friend or family member’s alcoholism, it might be a good idea to seek help from a professional. There are many different types of professionals who can assist you in this situation, such as therapists, addiction specialists, and even lawyers.
It’s important to remember that you are not alone in this – there are plenty of people who want to help you get through this difficult time. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Asking for help shows you care about yourself and your loved one enough to take the necessary steps toward getting them the help they need. Professional assistance can provide additional support during this difficult time.
They will be able to provide guidance and advice on how best to deal with an alcoholic friend or family member. They will also be able to provide you with an outside perspective of the situation, which can help immensely if you’re struggling to see what options are available for you. There are plenty of ways that you can try and support them without having to turn your back on them completely. Professional assistance provides additional insight into how best to deal with your loved one’s alcoholism so that both parties feel supported through this difficult time.
#4 Be Patient And Understanding Of Their Behavior
It’s important to remember that alcoholism is a disease, and like any other illness, it can cause the person to behave in ways that are not typical of them. This can be frustrating for you as their loved one, but it’s important to remain patient and understanding. Remember, they are not doing this on purpose – they are sick and need help. Yelling at or accusing them of being selfish will only push them further away from seeking the help they need. Instead, try your best to be supportive and understanding, even when things get tough.
Eventually, your friend or family member might seek treatment and get sober with the right support system in place. Until then, try your best to provide as much love and support as possible.