8 Tips for Talking With Your Partner About Their Alcohol Use

The addiction for the family becomes trying to control or save the alcoholic. When I was drinking, I faced many consequences because of my addiction. At first, these were small consequences, but as time went on they became larger. At the time it was hard to recognize that alcohol was the root of all the problems in my life, but in retrospect, it has become very clear that alcohol and I didn’t mix.

• In fact, they probably feel empowered and set free from the ravages of addiction.
• Our admissions team can provide information on intervention services, addiction treatment program options, and detoxification services offered at our luxury Malibu California rehab.
• Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp.
• The person struggling with alcohol addiction is often the last person to see the damage done by alcohol.

For those who love someone living with an addiction, it is very difficult to sit back and let the crisis play out to its fullest extent. You may tell yourself that surely there is something you can do. But the reality is that not even the person dependent on alcohol can control their drinking, try as they may. If your loved one is truly dependent on alcohol, they are going to drink no matter what you do or say. However, some signs are easy to recognize and should not be ignored. Paying heed to these signs and helping the person get treated is important, even if their alcoholism is mild.

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It is especially hurtful when your loved one is in denial about their suffering, and how it’s affecting their lives and the lives of those around them. A sad reality is that the individual suffering from alcohol addiction is often the last person to see the signs, and this denial can be something that causes many issues along the way. Sometimes, it takes loved ones expressing enough concern to finally make the decision to get help. If your loved one is in denial about their alcohol addiction, here are some tips for what to say, what to do, and how to help them get help.

When my drinking really picked up, it began to affect the relationships in my life. My friends became irritated with always having to look out for me to make sure I stayed safe. They were fed up with my inability to control my drinking, to the point that one of my good friends told me he no longer wanted me coming over. That was one of the lowest points in my drinking, and the amount of guilt and shame I felt was immense.

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Being in a relationship with a person who has an alcohol addiction can take a significant toll on your mental health. Consider trying to see things from your loved one’s point of view, even if it doesn’t make sense to you. Your partner will be more likely to listen if they feel like you’re approaching them with genuine concern and love, not criticism.

It can be hard to step aside when you see someone doing self-destructive things. But when you make excuses or cover their dropped responsibilities, it keeps them from seeing the consequences of their actions. Of course, if they or others are in serious, immediate danger, call 911. Have some concrete next steps for them to choose from, in case they’re ready to get help. Look for local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, find counselors that fit their insurance plan, and research treatment facilities.

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While every single addiction is different, and potentially more harrowing than what you may find online, withdrawal symptoms and other synonymous aspects tend to go with their coupled addictions. It can help you prepare for the future and keep your eyes out for any signs of potential overdose. Drugs and alcohol can rewire the brain, disrupting function and leading to dependency. It results in a distorted value system that shifts toward supporting ongoing substance use. According to a national survey in 2019, 20.4 million Americans had experienced a substance use disorder over the past year. And data from the previous year showed that only about one tenth of individuals with an SUD received the treatment they needed.

Yeah, that’s probably going straight into the cash register at the local liquor store. Though in active addiction it may seem impossible to overcome any of these consequences, it is possible. Sobriety gave me the chance to repair the damage that I had inflicted both upon myself and others, and it can do the same for anyone who gives a sober life a real chance. Vodka was my drink of choice, and one shot alone has 100 calories.

Speak Up: How To Approach A Friend’s Drinking Problem

Hopefully, they will be open to change after some time has passed, or after multiple people have commented on their drinking. I feel better telling people about my life choices when they ask kindly rather than demand a reason. If someone asked for more information about the reasoning behind my eco sober house complaints choices, I would never refuse to tell them more. I enjoy talking about recovery and what got me to where I am in sobriety, and spreading that message is important. However, when people phrase it like, “So are you, like, an alcoholic? ” it sounds judgmental and makes me not want to elaborate.

I often felt intensely hungover, to the point that the thought of going to class or work felt too overwhelming and impossible. I remember dragging myself to class one day and making it to the door of the building, only to promptly turn around after realizing I was going to vomit. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, we will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment https://sober-home.org/ programs. In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities. You can even list dates, specific times, frequency of negative behaviors, how much alcohol they’ve had, and how much money they’ve spent.

Know that you can give recovery support without enabling addiction

Try to anticipate any arguments they might make during the conversation and write down what your responses will be. If this sounds like your situation, you’re tired of sitting by and watching your loved one succumb to alcoholism. You know they could have a better life than this, so how do you help them?

• As much as you love the person with the drinking problem and as upsetting as it can be to watch them struggle with their addiction, there’s only so much you can do.
• If this is how you feel, know that it’s completely understandable and normal.
• If you’re ready to talk with your friend about alcohol abuse, there are a few things to keep in mind.
• ” Remind them often that you are willing to be their recovery support.
• Alcohol abuse can lead to serious consequences, but that person will likely continue to drink because they have lost control1 of their alcohol consumption.

A support group such as Al-Anon Family Groups may also be a helpful source of support when you have someone in your life with a drinking problem. The group can give you a place to get social support and encouragement from others going through a similar situation. If family members try to «help» by covering up for their drinking and making excuses for them, they are playing right into their loved one’s denial game.