3 Tips For Helping Someone With An Alcohol Use Disorder
Watching a friend or a family member struggling with a drinking problem can be difficult. You might wonder what you can do to help change their situation and whether they would want your help or not.
An alcohol use disorder can vary from mild to severe. Keep in mind that small habits may cultivate more severe complications. Early treatment and intervention are significant to help people with alcohol use disorder. One of the best ways to help an alcoholic or someone who is on the road to recovery is to introduce them to non-religious Alcoholics Anonymous.
If you are looking for ways on how to help someone with an alcohol use disorder, below are some tips to help you get started.
Think of a better way to approach them.
People with an alcohol disorder should be treated with respect. While trying to approach and talk to them, make sure you avoid being negative, hurtful, or aggressive. Find a better way to communicate and let the person you care for know that you are always available and care for them. Instead of directly talking about their unwanted behavior as a result of an alcohol use disorder, you can talk about the negative effect impact of alcohol and that you are concerned about how much they have been drinking. Make sure you also prepare yourself for every reaction and try to stay as calm as possible.
Introduce your loved one to Alcohol Anonymous.
Alcohol anonymous or A.A. is one of the largest alcohol support groups, aiming to help alcoholics in their journey to recovery. Alcoholism strikes all kinds of people. In A.A, you will find men and women of all races and nationalities, religions, and no religion at all. There are no rich, poor, or average. You will meet people from all sorts of occupations- lawyers, teachers, truck drivers, waitresses, and many others.
Members of the group also share their experience with anyone looking for help with a drinking problem. A.A. also has the 12 Step program, offering alcoholics a way to develop a satisfying life without alcohol. The program is discussed at A.A. group meetings- open to alcoholics and nonalcoholics and also in closed meanings conducted just as open discussions are, but for alcoholics only. There is a lot of information on the internet if you want to know more about A.A., alcoholics anonymous subculture, and its programs.
Encourage your loved one to read recovery-oriented books.
Reading can help someone put their feelings and understanding into practice. Make sure you look for recovery-oriented books and introduce them to your loved one with an alcohol use disorder. Most of these books are written by alcoholics or someone sober for a long time. These books also aim to help persons with a drinking problem and assist them in their road to recovery.
If you have a loved one who is struggling with a drinking problem, make sure you try and help them. One of the ways you can do is introduce them to the Alcoholics Anonymous subculture.