Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a severe condition that can devastate an individual’s life.
It can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm to the person suffering from it and those around them.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2019, an estimated 14.3 million adults ages 18 and older (5.7 percent of this age group) had an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Of those adults, 8.6 million reported that their AUD was “severe.” Anytime someone has an alcohol use disorder or drinks excessively, they are in danger of health concerns and related risks like liver disease, depression, high blood pressure, accidents and injury, suicide attempts, and other substance abuse disorders.
When a loved one struggles with alcohol use disorder, it can be a difficult and emotional experience for everyone involved. When someone you love struggles with AUD, knowing how best to support them can be challenging. Fortunately, multiple options are available to help people struggling with AUD. While the individual needs to seek professional help, there are also ways that you can support them throughout their recovery journey.
Here are some tips on how to support a loved one who has an alcohol use disorder:
Educate Yourself on Alcohol Use Disorder
Before you can effectively support someone with an alcohol use disorder, educating yourself on the condition is essential.
There are various ways to learn more about alcohol use disorder. One way is to consult with a healthcare professional or addiction specialist who can provide information on the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for alcohol use disorder. Additionally, there are many resources available online such as government websites, support groups, and educational websites that can provide helpful information and resources on alcohol use disorder. It’s important to seek reliable and credible information sources and consult with a healthcare professional if you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use disorder.
There are various ways to learn more about alcohol use disorder. One way is to consult with a healthcare professional or addiction specialist who can provide information on the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for alcohol use disorder. Additionally, there are many resources available online, such as government websites, support groups, and educational websites that can provide helpful information and resources on alcohol use disorder. It’s important to seek reliable and credible information sources and consult with a healthcare professional if you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use disorder. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments can help you approach the situation with empathy and knowledge.
Show Empathy and Avoid Judgment
It’s essential to approach the situation empathetically and avoid judgment toward your loved one. Understand that alcohol use disorder is a disease, not a choice and that recovery is a difficult journey that requires support and understanding. When speaking with your loved one, be understanding and supportive. Let them know you are there for them and willing to listen without judgment or criticism. Avoid lecturing, talking down to them, or placing blame; instead, focus on building trust and offering unconditional love and support.
Encourage Professional Treatment
Encouraging your loved one to seek professional help is essential in helping them achieve long-term sobriety. Various treatment options are available such as inpatient programs, outpatient programs (including Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) at Northlake Behavioral Health System), medication-assisted treatment, counseling/therapy sessions, support groups, and sober living environments. Researching these options can help you choose the best for your loved one’s needs.
Be an Active Supporter
Being actively involved in their recovery process is vital to show your support for your loved one. Participation in activities such as attending therapy appointments or group meetings shows that you are invested in their recovery journey. Additionally, offering practical assistance, like providing rides to appointments or activities, can also be beneficial. Most importantly, letting your loved one know they can count on you can motivate them during their recovery process.
Create a Safe Environment
Creating a safe environment for your loved one is essential for their recovery process. Alcohol should not be available in the home, and drinking in the presence of your loved one should be avoided. Additionally, it is beneficial to provide healthy activities for your loved one to participate in when struggling with cravings or urges to drink.
Show Compassion and Understanding
Showing compassion and understanding is essential when supporting a loved one with an alcohol use disorder. It’s important to remember that recovery isn’t linear; it involves setbacks, triggers, cravings, successes, etc., so it’s essential to be patient and show understanding toward any individual’s struggles. It’s also helpful to remind the person of their progress by reflecting on how far they’ve come since beginning their journey towards sobriety.
Encourage Professional Help
Encouraging your loved one to seek professional help is essential in their recovery journey. Offer to help them find a therapist, support group, or treatment center that can provide the necessary resources and support.
Create a Sober Environment
Creating a sober environment can help your loved one stay on track with their recovery. This can include avoiding alcohol around them, removing alcohol from the home, and finding sober activities together.
Be Patient and Encouraging
Recovery from alcohol use disorder is a long and challenging journey, and it’s essential to be patient and encouraging throughout the process. Celebrate their successes, offer support during setbacks, and remind them that you believe in their ability to overcome their challenges.
Take Care of Yourself
Supporting a loved one with an alcohol use disorder can be emotionally taxing, so taking care of yourself is essential. Make sure to prioritize self-care and seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if needed.
The Ness Center is one of the leading treatment centers for AUD, providing comprehensive outpatient services. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers a safe environment for people to focus on their recovery without having to stay overnight at the facility. They combine evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, with 12-step programs to help people reach their recovery goals.
Additionally, there are supportive living programs that can provide support to those in recovery from AUD. These programs can help individuals receive the needed structure and support to stay sober while working on their recovery. They provide a safe environment with supportive peers who understand the struggles of addiction and are committed to helping people succeed in their sobriety.
If you have a loved one suffering from AUD, it is essential to be patient and understanding. It can be challenging to watch someone you care about struggle with substance abuse, but it is necessary to remember that recovery is a process that takes time. Offer encouragement and support, but also set boundaries and ensure they are getting the help they need. Attending meetings or support groups for family members of those with AUD may also be helpful. These meetings are a great place to receive support from people who understand what you’re going through and offer practical advice on how best to help your loved one. Finally, it is essential to take care of yourself. Taking care of someone with AUD can be emotionally draining, so make sure you are taking time for yourself and getting the support you need.