Dealing with a Family Alcoholic

Alcoholism can devastate the body, leading to illness and premature death. However, the effects of alcohol are not limited to the person who abuses this substance; they also impact friends, family, and anyone who encounters the alcoholic. Understanding alcohol abuse begins with recognizing the physical and emotional harm of living with someone addicted to a substance that is destroying their body and mind.

Alcoholism robs the family of comfort and peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is either out drinking and becoming a danger to others or worse, staying at home and causing sleepless nights for the family. In either case, alcoholism treatment is required. However, the first step is understanding the signs of alcoholism and knowing what to do to get them the treatment they need to overcome this addiction.

The Signs of Alcoholism Addiction

Approximately 10% of people who drink alcoholic beverages become addicts. This may seem like a low percentage, but considering that tens of millions of people drink in the US alone, the numbers are staggering. While the vast majority of people who drink are not alcoholics, identifying those who need alcoholism treatment is relatively simple: if their condition is causing problems for you or your family, they need help.

The Steps to Treating Alcohol Addiction

Several steps are necessary to ensure the addict gets the treatment they need. In most cases, the process will be difficult because the addict does not want to admit they have a problem. Some steps may not seem intuitive, but they do work.

1. Let Go: No matter how close you are to an addict, you cannot control their behavior. This means you need to let go to start the process. Otherwise, you might be unknowingly enabling their behavior.

2. Control the Reaction: While you cannot proactively stop an alcoholic, you can effectively react to their addiction. Steps such as not living with an alcoholic in your home are the ultimate act of caring because you protect your family from the unintended consequences. This type of reaction drives the message home better than any proactive step could ever be.

3. Detach Your Emotions: The addict will use anyone to further their addiction, especially those who love them. This is not usually a conscious effort on their part but can lead to more pain and suffering if you don’t detach yourself. By pulling away, they cannot manipulate or control your actions anymore. It may sound cold, but it is the only effective action you can take.

4. Seek Help: The effects of alcohol addiction do not stop with the abuser; you will need help as well. Your actions may have unknowingly contributed to the alcohol abuse your family member is experiencing. Therefore, it is best to seek help through a professional organization and make any recommended changes in your life to be in a healthier, more positive relationship.

Alcohol abuse can be overcome, but starting on the right path is essential.