If you dont know what you can do for someone is an alcoholic then you need to read this article. It's important to know the options that chemical dependency counseling and addiction physiology offer.
"When a loved one is in trouble because of alcohol or drug abuse, the instinct of family members is to do whatever is necessary to help.
However, that first instinct may not be the one that’s going to be effective.
Following a few simple, organizational steps can make this experience less challenging and hopefully produce a result that leads to inpatient treatment, outpatient care, 12 Step recovery and/or other positive options.
The first step is most important; confirm that the person you want to help truly has the disease of addiction. Since you are reading this article on the Betty Ford Center website, you must have some suspicions if not proof that the disease of addiction is present.
There are many signs of addiction; here are a few:
- Gaining or losing weight
- Lack of attention to hygiene
- Slurred speech, difficulty with coordination
- unusual breath, clothing or body odors
- Changes in friends
- Last of interest in school/work, missing attendance
- Financial concerns, possibly involving crimes
- Furtive behavior
- Seems paranoid or fearful
- Dramatic shifts from high energy to lethargy
- No motivation to carry through on tasks or ideas
Second, make sure you’re knowledgeable about addiction. There are ample resources online; just a few sites that are helpful are:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
- Office of National Drug Control Policy
Third, make sure that you don’t enter this challenge alone. If you feel the person you’re trying to help may be reluctant or become belligerent, you may need the assistance of a professional interventionist. If that’s the case, this person can guide you through specific steps for an optimum outcome. If you think the person may be receptive to getting help, it’s important that key people in his/her life are all “on the same page” and willing to be supportive throughout the process, whatever that may entail.
Next, be vigilant of your own behavior and make every effort to steer clear of codependency. This may be your “default” behavior, but you need to take care of yourself.
If you are doing this on your own, select a comfortable, neutral location and share your concerns in a clear way. Don’t monopolize the conversation; make sure the alcoholic/addict has the opportunity to respond, and make sure your concerns are clearly expressed. If you are challenged, prepare to mention specific instances that have helped lead to this conversation.
Know going in that you cannot control the outcome. A popular adage in 12 Step recovery for family members is : ‘You Didn’t Cause It, You Can’t Control It and You Can’t Cure It.’
Keep in mind that there are options for you to explore as you begin your own recovery; many treatment facilities have a Family Program component, and Al-Anon meetings are available worldwide.
Although the results of your conversation may be far from what you want, you have at least taken action. You know you’re coming from a place of love and support, and even if your loved one doesn’t see it that way in the moment, that understanding may dawn in the future."
Source: http://www.bettyfordcenter.org/recovery/featured-home/my-alcoholic-needs-help...
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