Do you have a family member that is struggling with an alcohol problem? If you answered yes, then please continue reading below as we want to help you through this tough time. Approaching a loved one with a drinking problem may seem like difficult task as there is no guarantees on whether the person will even listen to you or not. However, if you love and care about the individual, then it’s important to get help for them, which will not only benefit the alcoholic but also the people closest to them. When alcohol in the home is a problem, then it becomes important to know all the facts and this article will provide you with exactly that.
How to Find Out if There is a Alcohol Problem Present
If you suspect that a loved one has a drinking problem but aren’t entirely sure, here’s how you can find out.
Alcoholism usually comes with four symptoms:
- Cravings – The constant need to drink
- Dependence – The inability to live without alcohol
- Tolerance – Needing to drink more to feel effects that were once achieved though smaller amounts of alcohol
- Loss of Control – The inability to stop drinking
Do you notice any of the above on your loved one? Also, answer the following questions:
- Has anyone outside your household mentioned anything about their drinking habits?
- Does your loved one feel ashamed about their alcohol use or do they try to hide it?
- Does the person drink alone or at irregular hours of the day?
Is their alcohol usage affecting the people closest to them?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then it’s a clear sign that there is an alcohol problem present and help needs to be sought after immediately.
How You Can Help
If your loved one refuses to acknowledge that they have a drinking problem, then it may be time to set up an intervention. An intervention is an effective way to help your loved one get over their denial, face their alcohol problem and to get them admitted into an alcohol rehabilitation centre. An intervention involves the gathering of the closest people that the alcoholic, who are worried about their health and wellbeing. It’s advised that an addiction counsellor sits in during the meeting, just to ensure that things run smoothly and safely.
The main aim of the intervention is to convince the alcoholic that their drinking has gone so far that the only way they will be able to get help is by getting treatment inside an alcohol rehab centre. Please note, that an intervention is not an opportunity to vent any anger or frustration, it’s a meeting aimed at helping the alcoholic realise the severity of the problem they are suffering.
For more information regarding interventions, click here:
How You Can Help Yourself
Alcoholism is often dubbed a ‘family illness’ as it doesn’t only affect the user but also the people closest to them. Most alcohol rehabs have family therapy programmes which help in mending any relationships that may have been broken during the time of the addiction
There are also various support groups that offer assistance to those affected by alcoholism:
- Al-Anon – They offer understanding, help and support to the families of problem drinkers.
- Alateen – This support group is exclusively for children of alcoholics, whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.
You can also call us for help should you need any assistance with a loved one’s drinking problem. We provide access into the best alcohol rehabilitation Centres in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Thailand. Call us now and let one of our qualified addiction counsellors assist in finding the best treatment available for your loved one.
Finding the right rehab close to you is simple with WeDoRecover. Our network includes the finest rehab centers, ensuring personalised, quality care for your recovery needs. Let Gareth Carter and our empathetic team help guide you to a center that feels right for you, offering expert care and support. Start your healing today by choosing a rehab that's not just close to you, but also that truly cares about your loved ones recovery.