Helping an Alcoholic Loved One

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is recognized as a chronic brain disease. Alcohol abuse or alcoholism can quickly become a severe and dangerous threat to a person’s life as the body develops a dependence on the substance. This dependency can reach the point where an individual is unable to perform even simple daily tasks without alcohol in their system. Liver disease is, unfortunately, fairly common among those struggling with alcohol addiction.

It is clear that abusing alcohol is both harmful and dangerous. Drinking problems often become noticeable due to various side effects, including significant negative changes in mood and emotional state when not drinking.

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, or AUD, is defined by unhealthy drinking patterns. For instance, someone with this disorder may struggle to control their drinking, frequently think about alcohol, and persist in drinking even when it negatively affects daily life.

Unhealthy drinking patterns include any alcohol use that endangers a person’s safety, health, or well-being. AUD can also involve binge drinking, which is characterized by consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time.

Common symptoms of AUD include:

Strong cravings and urges for alcohol
Inability to control alcohol use
Unsuccessful attempts to limit alcohol consumption
Spending significant time drinking, obtaining alcohol, or recovering from hangovers
Using alcohol in dangerous situations
Reducing social activities and hobbies to drink
Failing to fulfill responsibilities due to alcohol use
Developing a high tolerance for alcohol
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after not drinking
Continuing to drink despite social, physical, or relationship problems

Without professional treatment, AUD can lead to severe health issues such as liver disease, heart problems, and a higher risk of cancer. Alcohol also impairs judgment, which can cause relationship difficulties, work or school problems, accidents, legal trouble, and an increased risk of suicide. Seeking professional treatment at a rehab facility can help your loved one avoid these dangers.

Signs Your Loved One Has a Drinking Problem

Alcohol dependence can result in serious consequences, including health complications, legal problems, and difficulties at work or school. Early treatment for AUD can help your loved one avoid these negative outcomes. While everyone’s experience with alcoholism is unique, some symptoms are especially common.

High Alcohol Tolerance

A person with AUD often drinks heavily, causing their tolerance to increase over time. They may need larger amounts of alcohol to feel the same effects and may drink more frequently. If you notice your loved one consuming large quantities just to feel a buzz, AUD may be present.

Hidden Alcohol Use

Due to social stigma, your loved one might feel ashamed of their drinking habits and attempt to hide them. You may find bottles hidden in unusual places or notice your loved one keeping you away from certain areas.

Loss of Interest in Activities

As unhealthy drinking patterns continue, your loved one may lose interest in hobbies and social events they once enjoyed.

Mood Swings and Aggression

Alcohol affects brain chemistry, leading to mood swings, aggression, and other negative emotions. These changes can strain relationships and make it difficult to maintain connections.

Avoiding Responsibilities

Alcohol addiction often results in issues at work or school. Your loved one may skip commitments, arrive late, or struggle to keep up with responsibilities. They might also attend work or school while drunk or hungover, increasing risks like job loss or disciplinary action.

Risky Behaviors

Alcohol impairs judgment, leading to risky actions such as drunk driving, which can result in accidents and injuries.

Alcohol-Related Financial Problems

Maintaining an alcohol addiction is expensive. Your loved one may frequently lack money, pawn valuables, or even take money from others to buy alcohol.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol dependence can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including:

Anxiety and nervousness
Rapid heart rate
Shakiness and tremors
Disorientation
Agitation and irritability
Sweating
Loss of appetite
Insomnia
Restlessness
Nausea and vomiting
Seizures

These symptoms can appear as soon as two hours to four days after stopping alcohol use. If you observe these signs, AUD may be the cause. Receiving professional help is paramount when recovering from AUD, as the withdrawal can be fatal if not medically supervised.

Codependency and Alcoholism

Codependency occurs when one person enables another’s harmful behaviors, such as addiction. This dynamic can hinder recovery and negatively impact the mental health of loved ones.

Signs of codependency in AUD relationships include:

Recognizing unhealthy behaviors but remaining in the relationship
Providing financial or emotional support despite harm
Seeking satisfaction only through the other person’s approval
Experiencing anxiety when unable to meet the other’s desires
Making excuses for the other person’s behavior
Neglecting responsibilities and other relationships
Struggling to establish independence without conflict

If you are in a codependent relationship with someone suffering from AUD, you may unintentionally enable their drinking. You might also experience anxiety, burnout, and guilt. Ending codependency does not require ending the relationship. Instead, help your loved one seek professional assistance and consider seeing a mental health professional yourself. These positive steps can support both your loved one’s recovery and your own well-being.

How to Help Someone with Alcohol Use Disorder

Beyond addressing codependency, several strategies can help your loved one recognize their drinking problem and seek professional treatment. Approach your loved one with empathy, knowledge, and care.

Avoid Enablement

Do not enable alcohol addiction. Avoid making excuses, lying to cover up their actions, bailing them out, paying bills, avoiding discussions about alcohol, buying alcohol, drinking with them, or completing tasks they neglected. Enabling can prevent your loved one from seeking necessary treatment.

Understand Alcoholism

Educate yourself about AUD and its effects on the brain, behavior, and body. Observe your loved one’s behaviors and compare them to AUD symptoms. If you suspect alcohol addiction, take steps to help them seek treatment.

Find Treatment Programs in Your Area

Professional treatment is essential for those with AUD. Treatment programs provide medical supervision, therapy, and support networks. Before approaching your loved one, gather information on local rehab programs. The best option will depend on their level of dependence, co-occurring conditions, and past attempts to quit. Research and decide together which program is best.

Engage in Careful Conversations

It can be difficult for your loved one to admit they need help. Speak openly about their drinking, explain how it affects you, and encourage them to seek treatment. Consulting a healthcare provider who specializes in AUD or writing down your thoughts beforehand can help. Remain calm and avoid shaming or blaming. Be honest, empathetic, and supportive. If denial persists, consider seeking help from a counselor to stage an intervention.

Alcoholism Treatment and Recovery

People with AUD may resist seeking help, but rehabilitation facilities offer crucial support. Alcohol withdrawal can be intense, and relapse is common. The mental health support provided by these facilities is invaluable.

What Happens in an Alcohol Rehab Center?

Upon entering a treatment program, your loved one may receive a personalized plan that could include:

Medication to ease withdrawal symptoms
Support groups and group therapy
Individual therapy for healthier coping skills
Long-term sobriety and aftercare planning
Treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders

Supporting a Loved One After Treatment

After professional help, ongoing support is vital. Your loved one may attend peer support groups and therapy. They might need to avoid environments where alcohol is present. In addition to their treatment plan, your support is crucial for continued recovery.

Avoid Bringing Alcohol into the Home

Keep alcohol and other addictive substances out of the house to create a safe, temptation-free environment.

Attend Therapy and Support groups

Supporting someone with AUD can be emotionally exhausting. Protect your mental health by seeing a therapist and joining support groups for loved ones of alcoholics.

Encourage a Healthy Routine

A structured routine helps prevent relapse. Encourage healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress-relieving activities such as journaling, yoga, and meditation.

Be Mindful of Relapse

Relapse is a real risk. Warning signs include:

Increased stress
Return of withdrawal symptoms
Mood swings
Spending time with people who drink
Missing support group meetings or therapy
Abandoning routines
Secretive or isolated behavior
Anxiety and depression

If relapse occurs, avoid blame or anger. Instead, encourage your loved one to stop drinking and seek help promptly.

Sobriety is a lifelong journey. Relapse may happen, but with ongoing positive support, your loved one can recover from alcoholism and enjoy a healthier, sober lifestyle.

Ready To Take The First Step?