How To Support Someone Who Struggles With Alcohol

Hello, everyone! To honor alcohol awareness month, we came up with the idea to create a tread to encourage members on supporting loved ones who suffer from alcoholism.

To show why I have created this, I want to briefly touch on my story with having a loved one who was struggling with alcoholism. Growing up, I had a father who would often get drunk and would become aggressive. Having a father who constantly drank was extremely difficult not only on him but on everyone else in the house.

So, I felt deeply inclined to talk about some ways that we can support our loved ones who struggle with this large issue.

Here are just some ways to help your loved one.

1.) Acceptance and recognition that there is a problem.

Many people who abuse alcohol may not even truly realize (or accept) that their addiction is harming others and themselves. A way to help your loved one is, to be honest with them about their drinking habits and how it is negatively affecting you and other people.

*Dont guilt-trip. There is a difference between being open and honest about the situation and intentionally trying to make your loved one feel awful (which will not help them and could be a possible trigger). It is okay to feel angry and frustrated, but try to communicate in a healthy way. A great way is to use I Statements (i.e. Ive been feeling very worried about your drinking habits and I think you should seek help.)

*Do not sugar-coat, either. Sometimes it is scary, to be honest about your feelings and the seriousness of the situation, but be perfectly honest about your feelings and do NOT try to cover up their actions in any way. If something is clearly harmful and unhealthy, treat it and address it as such. Your loved one might not even realize that their drinking is affecting you.

2.) Encourage the person to receive help

Alcoholism cannot be cured overnight and needs professional advice. Even if your loved one is not actively searching for help nor wants it, it is still important to encourage them often to seek out help. Research organizations that could help your loved one and maybe seek out professional help for yourself if you have trouble coping with the fact that your loved one is abusing alcohol and it is hurting you.

3.) Be aware of the possible triggers

What many people dont realize about alcoholism is that many alcoholics have triggers that could push them to drink. Sometimes sadness, stress, loneliness, and even being in certain social situations (like parties where alcohol is available) could definitely trigger your loved one to drink. Keep an eye on this and know what their triggers are so you can help prevent their drinking sessions by either being there for them and helping them cope or by removing the potential trigger.

4.) Help yourself to help your loved one.

This is a giant point but an extremely important one. Regardless of how deep your loved one is into their addiction, they most certainly love you and want you to be okay. Part of helping/supporting them is making sure you help yourself. Always seek out help from a therapist or a strong support system if you feel like the situation is taking a tremendous toll on your mental health. Dont be afraid to open up to those close to you about the situation and dont feel like anything is your fault and that you should bring yourself down.

*If your loved ones drinking is causing them to be abusive (either physically, mentally, or even sexually) report it immediately. Your safety is a priority!

Stay safe and I hope these points help you! As a community, we are all here to support you <3

Happy alcohol awareness month!