How to Help an Alcoholic Friend

Before sitting down to talk with them (when they’re sober and have time to talk) about your concerns; however, it is helpful to research possible treatment options. Gather resources from doctors, counselors, inpatient alcohol rehab, and outpatient centers. Most people who choose to drink alcohol can do so without becoming addicted. For some, however, drinking can lead down a dangerous path to alcohol use disorder. Many factors contribute to a person’s vulnerability toward alcohol dependence, including genetics, family history of substance abuse, Alcoholism and Denial environmental factors and the age a person first starts drinking or using other drugs. Alcohol use vs. abuse is not a black or white issue—there are shades of gray.

How to Approach Their Denial

With patience and persistence from people who care, however, a person can eventually realize it’s time to get help for their alcohol use. It can be hard to watch someone you care about suffer, and it’s important to take breaks and look after yourself during this time. No matter what the person’s behavior has been like, it’s important to remember that your loved one is not a bad person; he or she has an addiction and is in deep denial. It’s never easy to talk about something as personal and sensitive as drinking or drug use. It’s important not to try and approach your loved one while they are drunk or high to have this conversation.

How Does Alcoholic Denial Happen?

Utilize the alcohol and drug treatment centers directory to find professional support and resources for helping a loved one who is in denial about alcohol use. Alta Mira offers a comprehensive suite of treatment programs for people struggling with addiction as well as co-occurring mental health disorders and process addictions. We work with a trusted network of professional interventionists who can help your family start the journey toward recovery.

What to Do If Your Loved One Relapses

An addicted person will likely never respond well to someone who loses their temper or seems impatient. However, being patient does not mean you should enable a person’s alcohol-related behavior. If someone in your life is refusing help, don’t take it personally — but more importantly, don’t give up on them. Individuals with AUD may deny that they have a problem or avoid conversations about their alcohol use to guard themselves from the reality of their situation and any potential consequences of their behavior. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) categorizes AUD into four categories based on the severity of the condition.

Lifestyle Quizzes

The above mentioned scenarios are referred to as triggers—the people, places, situations, and things that can increase an individual’s risk of relapse. If you think it’s important to have someone involved but worry that it may create an issue during the intervention, consider having that person write a short letter. False agreements give the appearance that they are willing to address the issue and seek help. But deep down inside, there’s resistance preventing them from taking meaningful action toward recovery. Anger and frustration can be tough emotions when supporting someone with AUD.

Getting your friend to accept professional help is a huge step but it is only the beginning. Once they have agreed to go into treatment, your role as a supportive friend becomes even more important. Sadly, denial is a large component of why people stay addicted to substances for as long as they do. No one wants to admit they have lost control or that they have a drug problem. There are some general guidelines you can follow when trying to help someone realize they have an alcohol addiction.

Family and Children’s Programs

• You can also start researching rehab facilities, such as American Addiction Centers (AAC) to find out about what to expect during treatment, how to pay for services, and more.
• This might seem obvious, but denial is a common barrier to seeking help.
• Not everyone who has alcohol use disorder hides or denies they misuse alcohol.
• Denial keeps them from getting help and taking the steps they need to take to get better.
• Ideally, before approaching your loved one with treatment options, you’ve thought through some of these issues.

This free helpline is available 24/7 and can help match you to programs, treatments, and support groups in your area if you live in the United States. If you know someone with alcohol use disorder (AUD), it’s natural to be concerned and want to help. If you’re seeking help for a teen, you can check out resources from the Family Resource Center or the Partnership to End Addiction.

Is Denial a Sign of Addiction?

It’s crucial to understand that having a parent with an alcohol use disorder doesn’t make it the individual’s fault. Research shows that there is indeed a genetic predisposition involved in developing alcohol addiction, which means factors beyond personal control come into play. Understanding the reasons behind alcoholism denial can shed light on why individuals refuse to acknowledge their drinking problem.

Research Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction

People might convince themselves or others that their drinking falls within the “normal” range. It’s because they don’t have up-to-date information on what constitutes excessive alcohol consumption. For example, someone struggling with denial will tell you, “Yeah, I need to cut back” or “This is my last drink,” yet continue drinking excessively without making any real changes in their behavior. In addition to supporting your own mental health, this serves as a role model to your loved one. Instead, she recommends seeking more formal support with Al-Anon or therapy to help you create boundaries and care for yourself.