How to Help a Loved One With Alcohol Addiction

When someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, it may leave you not knowing what to do or how to help them. Alcohol addiction and alcohol use disorders (AUD) are very common and have many treatment options. According to a 2019 study, nearly 15 million people over 12 have alcohol use disorder.

Trying to help a loved one through alcohol addiction or an AUD can be challenging, especially when you don’t know what to say. One of the first steps is to understand what addiction is. Addiction is a disease and cannot be controlled. In some cases, your loved one may not even know they have an addiction or know the signs of addiction.

What Are the Signs of an Alcohol Addiction?

Before speaking to your loved one, pay attention to their behavior and actions for signs of addiction. Everyone is different, and sometimes the signs aren’t always obvious. While there isn’t a list of exact signs of addiction you can check off, there are some general things to look for.

An article published by Indian Health Services provides insight into some warning signs and specific warning signs by substance. Some things to watch out for with alcohol addiction can include:

• Needing more significant quantities of alcohol to achieve the desired effects
• Drinking alcohol more often or at all points of the day
• Spending time thinking about when they can drink next
• Drinking alcohol alone or trying to hide the fact they are drinking
• Displaying anger or becoming defensive when questioned about their alcohol consumption
• Not participating in other hobbies or interests because they would rather drink alcohol

These are just some things to be aware of and consider. If you think your loved one’s behaviors match these warning signs, it may be time to talk to them.

How You Can Support Your Loved One Through Addiction

The first thing you can do to support your loved one is to sit down and talk about alcohol addiction. This can be difficult, and your loved one may react angrily or get defensive. During this time, you must understand your loved one’s actions. Admitting to an addiction can be truly hard for some and cause feelings of shame, embarrassment, or guilt. Take your time and go into the conversation with an open mind and understanding.

Another way to support your loved one is to be there for them. Recovery can be scary for some when they feel alone. So one of the best things you can do is ask your loved one how you can help.

Understanding how to support your loved one with addiction recovery can be stressful. Remind yourself that there is no exact science behind it, and simply being there for them can be extremely helpful. Sometimes, your loved one may want to seek professional help and treatment. This is a significant choice in their life and another thing you can support them through. Choosing the right treatment center is essential for recovery and can be easier with help.

Finding the Right Treatment

After you’ve talked to your loved one, you can then discuss the next steps they’ll be taking. For some, this is seeking professional help or treatment. Finding a treatment center that fits their needs can be challenging since many options exist. However, the right treatment center can play a huge role in the recovery and success of your loved one.

Healing Pines Recovery has an effective alcohol rehab program in Colorado that caters to the needs of our clients. At Healing Pines Recovery, we keep the group small to provide individuals with specialized recovery plans. By keeping our client intake small, we can provide additional attention to those that may need or want it most. As well as having smaller groups, Healing Pines Recovery is gender-specific for those identifying as male.

The treatment options offered at Healing Pines Recovery range from traditional therapy programs to holistic methods. Through the combination of different treatment options, we make recovery engaging and exciting. Healing Pines Recovery aims to empower men to live substance-free lives with effective coping skills to prevent future relapse.

While it may seem like there are a lot of steps to help your loved one, they are all doable. When you know a loved one is struggling, there is always the want to help and support them. The best things to do are talk to them and ask them how you can help. You can help them through this difficult time with understanding and an open mind.

When a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, it can leave you feeling helpless. There are many ways to help your loved one, and the best way is to support them with the recovery process, encouraging them to seek professional help. With many treatment options, it can be hard to find the right one, especially if your loved one is uninterested. Healing Pines Recovery is an all-male treatment center that helps those struggling with alcohol and substance use. With all clients being male, this can help provide comfort to your loved one, possibly opening their mind to treatment. For more information, call us today at (720) 575-2621.