If you have never dealt with addiction in the past, then you may not know how to help an alcoholic. Furthermore, you may not know the signs of alcoholism or how to stage an intervention. Therefore, although you have a desire to help the alcoholic, you may experience helplessness and despair.
However, help is available for addiction. Treatment centers in Oklahoma offer comprehensive care for all types of addiction. If you want to know how to help an alcoholic, your first step may be to speak with a treatment specialist who can guide you through the process. Below is a short guide on how to help an alcoholic transition from dependency to recovery.
Recognize the Signs of Alcoholism
The first in helping an alcoholic is to recognize the signs of alcoholism. Although the signs manifest in different ways, there are commonalities in almost all alcoholics. Some of the signs of alcoholism include:
- The person is fixated with alcohol and can’t seem to get enough
- The alcoholic denies that they have a problem with alcoholism
- The user’s behavior, appetite, or sleeping patterns may change drastically
- There is an overall decline in the person’s quality of life
- The user shirks their responsibilities at home, school, or work
Also, a user may get to the point where they cannot go a single day without drinking. The addiction turns into a dependency.
How to Help an Alcoholic: Stage an Intervention
An intervention is a carefully planned involvement in a person’s addiction. The purpose is to try to get the individual to stop drinking and get professional help for alcoholism. There are steps in the intervention process, including:
Step 1: Consult a Professional
A professional may include a therapist, social worker, or a medical specialist. Their role is to guide you through the process and provide support for the alcoholic and their family. Working with a professional also increases your chances of a successful intervention.
Step 2: Form a Team and Make a Plan
Your team is a core group of family or friends who will help you stage the intervention. Get together with your team and formulate a plan for who you will proceed. Part of your plan may be learning more about alcoholism and intervention.
Step 3: Choose a Private Location with No Distractions
Try to find a place that is private and minimizes the chances of any distractions. The location should be neutral and non-threatening. For instance, you may want to choose your home or a park where there are no people around.
Step 4: Be Firm, Positive, and Supportive
An intervention is not the time to argue or vent your frustrations. It is important to be firm but supportive and encouraging. Talk about the impact that the person’s alcoholism has had on your life. However, try to avoid personal attacks.
Provide Support During Treatment
If the individual agrees to get help for alcoholism, it is important to provide support throughout each stage of recovery. This includes being there for them during detox, rehab, and aftercare. You may also want to explore options for family or couples therapy.
Another way to provide support is to create a more encouraging environment at home. Relapse is less likely to happen if the home is stable, clean, and free from alcohol. If you are struggling with alcoholism, you may also want to get help for your problem.
Get Help for Alcoholism Today
If you need to find out more about how to help an alcoholic, then contact Landmark Recovery at 405.494.4239. We provide comprehensive treatment for alcoholism, as well as drug addiction. When you reach out to us, you’ll find the support and treatments needed to heal and recover.
