If you have ever tried to address an alcohol abuse problem with a friend or family member, you might have felt resistance or defensiveness from your loved one. The idea that you can’t help people who won’t help themselves is not true. The right approach can encourage someone with an alcohol use disorder (an addiction to alcohol) to seek help at a drug and alcohol detox center like Tides Edge Detox. Reach out to us today at 866.723.3127 to not only learn how you can help your friend, family member, or loved one but to discover some of the best ways to approach the topic of getting help
Your Feelings Matter
Denial plays a large role in many substance abuse disorders. You might have a desire to hold up a metaphorical mirror and show your loved one how he is destroying his own life. Pointing fingers or blaming someone can make him put up walls, though. Consider sharing your feelings with your loved one in a confidential setting.
Sometimes, people who abuse alcohol don’t realize that their behaviors affect others. They might not care about their own lives at the moment, but they might get a wake-up call when you express your emotions.
A Less Confrontational Approach
If you can’t get through to your friend, consider leaving educational materials about alcoholism programs where they will find them. You can often find free pamphlets and brochures at your doctor’s office or through Alcoholics Anonymous. Presenting information about a luxurious, amenity-rich rehab center might inspire your loved one to look into treatment.
If you feel like you’ve tried everything and your loved one won’t listen, consider attending meetings for friends and family members of people with addiction disorders. You’ll concentrate on your feelings and learn to avoid blaming yourself as you get strategies for dealing with the other person.
What Won’t Help For Addressing Alcohol Abuse
There are always productive and counterproductive ways to confront an individual abusing alcohol or having an alcohol use disorder. Perhaps one of the most important things for family and friends to learn is what not to do. Some counterproductive actions that people frequently take include:
- Bringing up the topic of addiction or treatment when the individual is intoxicated. They’ll be more receptive when they’re sober.
- There is a fine line between assisting and enabling someone. Bailing someone out of jail or offering up a room when a friend has been kicked out of the house might seem like the right thing to do. However, preventing people from dealing with the consequences of their behavior gives them a reason to keep abusing alcohol. Many people offer financial support to their loved ones. This money is often used to buy more alcohol. Most individuals won’t consider getting help until they’re in dire circumstances.
- If someone you love is involved in a life-threatening circumstance, the best thing you can do is bring them to a hospital. In a non-emergency situation, you have more time to encourage them to rehab for alcoholic problems.
Keep these in mind as you explore how Tides Edge Detox can help your loved ones begin the healing process.
Discover How You Can Help by Reaching out to Tides Edge Detox
When you’re loved one is ready for help, be there for them. You might offer to accompany them to meetings or transport them to a rehab facility. Tides Edge Detox Center is an inviting detox center that embraces a warm, welcoming approach to recovery. We offer a range of therapies and programs to help our clients achieve recovery.
Our addiction therapy services include:
- Individual therapy program
- Group therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- Yoga therapy program
Even if you feel like you can’t get through to your loved one, call us at 866.723.3127 to find out how to help.
