Here is the difference between an intervention and a codependency
Alcoholism is a family disease. It doesn’t just affect the person with addiction. The dynamic, mental, and physical health of the family, its finances and its general stability are negatively affected by the consumption of alcohol. The home environment is often tense and unpredictable, and family members may either try to deny the drinker’s behavior, make excuses, or attempt to control or stop it.
These are all common responses to a home life that feels like it’s spiraling out of control.
What can I do to stop them?
If your loved one is suffering from addiction, it’s natural to wonder how to let them know they need help. To ask you this question, it is likely that your loved one has realized that they continue to drink despite the obvious problems caused by their alcohol consumption. The personal, social, and perhaps legal issues that would lead most people to conclude that their drinking habits should be reduced or eliminated generally do not impact alcoholics in the same way. It is important to understand that this is not a weakness – rather, the drinker is psychologically and physiologically addicted to the substance of alcohol and requires professional help.
The challenge to this, as you may know, is that many alcoholics deny there is a problem.
No matter how obvious the problem seems in alcoholics, the alcohol dependent person may deny that drinking is the cause of their problems and may blame circumstances or people around them.
When readers ask how to help the drinker in their life, the answer they usually get is, “Unfortunately, there’s not much anyone can do, until they admit that they have a problem.
While it’s true that your loved one needs to actively seek sobriety and wants change, you don’t need to sit and watch them self-destruct, hoping and praying for a light bulb to go out in her head. There are many things you can do to intervene, show your concern and support for your loved one, offer ideas and solutions, present the consequences of their drinking, and protect yourself from addiction.
Learn about alcohol addiction
The first step for family members and loved ones of the drinker is to learn about the disease of alcoholism. This does two things: it helps you understand your loved one’s behavior and helps you stop blaming them. While the drinker will have to take responsibility for their actions in order to recover, alcoholism is a chronic disease, has understood symptoms, and is often triggered by genes and life circumstances. Above all, getting informed helps you see that your loved one is sick and in pain, not trying to hurt you personally.
As a member of your family, you can attend Al-Anon meetings in your area or join an online group to learn more about the family disease of alcoholism and the emotional and psychological toll it takes. sudden.
At Clean and Clear Advantage Recovery, family members can learn to let go of the problems of the alcoholic — not the alcoholic — and find a wealth of Al-Anon literature to read that can help you find solutions that lead. to serenity. You will likely hear your own story in the stories of those who share with the group, creating a sense of togetherness and support. You will also learn about the unhealthy roles you play in the alcoholic’s life, and whether your actions may be allowing the alcoholic to continue their behavior, without you realizing it. Could you enable their behavior?
This quiz can help you find out.
You can also learn more about the disease by visiting the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Confront the person in a non-accusatory way
Since an alcohol problem is a sensitive subject, plan what you are going to say in advance. Wait until your loved one is sober and relatively stable emotionally. Make sure you also feel calm, as it’s important that the drinker doesn’t feel attacked or tied down. Avoid accusatory language such as “you better get help or insert consequences”.
During this first discussion, it is important to show how much you care about your loved one. Be sincere and honest about your concerns, including how their drinking affects their health and that of the family. You can mention a particular problem that stems from drinking, such as financial or relationship problems. Tell them you want to help them find an alcohol rehab near me, like a 12-step rehabilitation center near me or any other rehab centers near me, and maybe take on some of their responsibilities, like household chores, while they take their time. for recovery.
Expect a setback. The person may be in denial. Or if they’re not, they might suggest that they can fend for themselves. It rarely works. However, you could discuss a period and when you can expect behavior change.