how to get an alcoholic to seek treatment

^{6 ways to convince an Alcoholic / Addict to accept help}

1. Sober Intervention By far the most effective, loving and healthy way to confront the alcoholic / addict who is expressing very little willingness to accept help or change, ...
2. Social Proof Intervention In some cases, when the drinker / drug user has not yet descended too deeply into their addiction we can convince them to take immediate action ...
3. Use The Services of A Sober Professional Or A Former Alcoholic / Addict Try to find a Sober professional or even a former addict who has “Been There” to ...
4. Find Out The Reasons Why The Person Won’t Get Help Many people overlook this suggestion, but it’s really very powerful if managed appropriately. ...
Determine The Solutions To Those Barriers Once you get those answers from them written down, contact a professional or an expert to go through their barriers to accepting help ...
Talk to Them instead of Talking At Them

Full Answer

What is it really like living with an alcoholic?

Living with someone with an alcohol use disorder can trigger feelings of self-blame, attempts to control your partner’s drinking, or enabling your partner such as by making excuses for their drinking. But as Al-Anon notes, you did not cause your spouse’s drinking—nor can you control or cure their drinking. 1.

How to get an alcoholic help to stop drinking?

Useful contacts for alcohol problems

• Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. ...
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group. ...
• Al-Anon Family Groups offers support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers, whether they're still drinking or not. ...

More items...

How to stop enabling an alcoholic or addict?

• Support for recovery efforts
• Set boundaries
• Let the alcoholic deal with consequences

Which medications work best to help me stop drinking?

Which Medications Work Best to Help Me Stop Drinking?

1. Naltrexone. Naltrexone (Vivitrol, Revia) is the first-line treatment for alcohol misuse (meaning it is tried before other medications).
2. Acamprosate. Unlike naltrexone tablets, acamprosate (Campral) should be used once you’ve stopped drinking. ...
3. Disulfiram. ...
4. Topiramate. ...
5. Gabapentin. ...

What to do with someone who won't stop drinking?

Things that can HELP:Choose a time when your loved one is not drinking and you're both calm and focused. ... Express your concerns in a caring way. ... Encourage your loved one to open up about the reasons why they're abusing alcohol. ... Consider staging a family meeting or an intervention if you'd rather not go it alone.

How do you get someone to stop being an alcoholic?

Consider the CRAFT MethodIdentify substance use triggers.Break patterns that enable drinking or using.Develop and improve communication skills.Practice self-care and reconnect with their values.Identify triggers for violence.Develop a plan to keep themselves (and their children) safe.

How do you tell someone they need to stop drinking?

Offer treatment resources and continue to support your loved one as they try to stop drinking.Open the lines of communication. ... Make it comfortable to talk about the underlying cause contributing to their drinking. ... Be ready with concrete examples of why you think there may be a problem. ... Don't offer an ultimatum.More items...•

What are some treatment options for someone who is suffering from alcoholism?

Types of TreatmentBehavioral Treatments. Behavioral treatments are aimed at changing drinking behavior through counseling. ... Medications. ... Mutual-Support Groups. ... Current NIAAA Research—Leading to Future Breakthroughs. ... Mental Health Issues and Alcohol Use Disorder.

Why do people get mean when they drink?

"Aggression is thought to occur because alcohol focuses attention on instigatory cues (such as the noise blasts) and away from inhibitory cues (norms proscribing aggression)," the researchers said in the study.

What should you say to an alcoholic?

4 Things to Say to Someone Struggling with Alcohol“I've noticed that you used to do X, and now you do Y.” It's critical that your loved one realizes that their behavior has changed. ... “When you do Y, I'm concerned about your safety.” ... “How can I help you get through this?” ... “I'll be there to support you when you're ready.”

What to say to someone who is trying to quit drinking?

Try to have calm, positive conversationsknow when it's a good time to talk.encourage your friend or family member to open up and be honest.say how you feel without making the other person defensive.

What is considered an alcoholic?

What Is An Alcoholic? An alcoholic is known as someone who drinks alcohol beyond his or her ability to control it and is unable to stop consuming alcohol voluntarily. Most often this is coupled with being habitually intoxicated, daily drinking, and drinking larger quantities of alcohol than most.

What does your drunk personality say about you?

People in the drunk groups were observed to be more extroverted than those in the sober groups, with observers using a system that measures five factors of personality. They also found—though less conclusively—that drunk people seemed less neurotic.

In which stage of alcoholism does the drinker face serious health problems?

End-stage alcoholism is the final stage of alcoholism, when serious mental health and medical issues are beginning to appear.

What is the final stage in the development of alcoholism?

The final stage of alcoholism is addiction. At this stage, you no longer want to drink just for pleasure. Alcohol addiction is characterized by a physical and psychological need to drink. People with alcohol addiction physically crave the substance and are often inconsolable until they start drinking again.

What is considered chronic alcohol abuse?

For most men, that's defined as more than 4 drinks a day, or 14 or 15 in a week. For women, heavy drinking is more than 3 drinks in a day, or 7 or 8 per week. Too much alcohol can harm you physically and mentally in lots of ways.

How to help an alcoholic get treatment?

Many alcoholism treatment specialists suggest the following steps to help an alcoholic get treatment: Stop all "cover ups. " Family members often make excuses to others or try to protect the alcoholic from the results of his or her drinking. It is important to stop covering ...

How to get help for a family member who is addicted to alcohol?

If the person is willing to get help, call immediately for an appointment with a treatment counselor . Offer to go with the family member on the first visit to a treatment program and/or an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

What to say to a drinker who doesn't go to the bar?

What you say may range from refusing to go with the person to any social activity where alcohol will be served, to moving out of the house. Do not make any threats you are not prepared to carry out.

How to help an alcoholic family member?

Support groups offered in most communities include Al-Anon, which holds regular meetings for spouses and other significant adults in an alcoholic's life, and Alateen, which is geared to children of alcoholics. These groups help family members understand that they are not responsible for an alcoholic's drinking and that they need to take steps to take care of themselves, regardless of whether the alcoholic family member chooses to get help.

When is the best time to talk to a drinker?

The best time to talk to the drinker is shortly after an alcohol-related problem has occurred--like a serious family argument or an accident. Choose a time when he or she is sober, both of you are fairly calm, and you have a chance to talk in private. Be specific.

What to do if family member refuses to get help?

If the family member still refuses to get help, ask a friend to talk with him or her using the steps just described . A friend who is a recovering alcoholic may be particularly persuasive, but any person who is caring and nonjudgmental may help. The intervention of more than one person, more than one time, is often necessary to coax an alcoholic ...

How to help someone who is addicted to alcohol?

Deciding to help someone who’s addicted to alcohol can be a big decision, and it’s important to protect your own mental health in the process . Take care of yourself and only do what you’re capable of. Make sure to communicate your boundaries to your loved one and reinforce them. If they break a rule that you’ve established, make them aware that they’ve done so.

What are the treatment options for alcoholics?

There are many different treatment options out there for alcoholics, including inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and sober living communities. Depending on how severe their addiction is, the type of treatment they’ll benefit from may vary.

Why do people live in sober communities?

If your loved one has gone through outpatient or inpatient treatment and they’re looking for a stable place to live, a sober living community may be beneficial. These communities are made to ensure that no alcohol or drugs are present on the premises. They also encourage the participation in programs like Alcoholics Anonymous.

What is the best treatment for addiction?

Inpatient treatment is the best option for those who have severe addictions and require supervised detox. These programs allow patients to live in the treatment facility for a determined amount of time. Outpatient treatment is good for people who have more minor addictions or need to have flexibility so they can continue working or caring for their children.

What do you do during an intervention?

During an intervention you’ll provide the addict with clear steps, goal, and guidelines to help them get treatment. If you’re uncertain of performing an intervention on your own, you may want to seek professional help.

How to help someone who is struggling?

You’ll find more success if you’re able to communicate easily with the person that you’re trying to help. Encourage them to talk to you about missteps they have and challenges they’re facing. It will make it much easier for you to support them throughout the process.

What should you do once you have made it clear that you're there to help them and you've established boundaries?

Once you’ve made it clear that you’re there to help them and you’ve established boundaries, you should establish consequences . These consequences may be seen as empty threats, so it’s important that you follow through on them.

How to help someone with alcoholism?

It is important that as you try to help your loved one, you find a way to take care of yourself as well. It may help to seek support from others, including friends, family, community, and support groups. If you are developing your own symptoms of depression or anxiety, think about seeking professional help for yourself. Remember that your loved one is ultimately responsible for managing his or her illness.

How do medications work for alcohol dependence?

The newer types of these medications work by offsetting changes in the brain caused by AUD.

Why do people relapse?

Relapse is common among people who overcome alcohol problems. People with drinking problems are most likely to relapse during periods of stress or when exposed to people or places associated with past drinking.

What is NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator?

Please note: NIAAA recently launched the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator. This online tool helps you find the right treatment for you — and near you. It guides you through a step-by-step process to finding a highly qualified professional treatment provider. Learn more at https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov.

How many people have alcohol use disorder?

Many people struggle with controlling their drinking at some time in their lives. Approximately 17 million adults ages 18 and older have an alcohol use disorder (AUD) and 1 in 10 children live in a home with a parent who has a drinking problem.

How many times is alcohol dependent?

Studies show that people who are alcohol dependent are two to three times as likely to suffer from major depression or anxiety over their lifetime. When addressing drinking problems, it’s important to also seek treatment for any accompanying medical and mental health issues.

What is the first step in a treatment plan?

For anyone thinking about treatment, talking to a primary care physician is an important first step — he or she can be a good source for treatment referrals and medications. A primary care physician can also: Evaluate whether a patient’s drinking pattern is risky. Help craft a treatment plan. Evaluate overall health.

How to help an alcoholic friend?

How to help an alcoholic friend? Point out how little time you’re spending together recently. Remind them of the good times you had. Often alcoholics will be more inclined to make a change if they realize the effect on those who care about them.

What is the definition of alcoholism?

The definition of alcoholism presumes that alcoholics have the potential not to only ruin the life for themselves, they usually drain the people around them along the way.

How many Americans have an alcohol problem?

More than 16 million Americans have an alcohol abuse problem, according to the data from a national institute watchdog. But this guide is not about them, it’s about you. With so many people asking how to help an alcoholic boyfriend, husband, friend or family member we decided to dedicate this article to you, in hopes of answering the burning question: ” How to help an alcoholic? ”

Why do you need to start with your own attitude?

Not least because an alcoholic hardly cares about the impact he or she has on their lives and those surrounding them. All they care about is where their next drink is coming from. Therefore, you need to start with your own attitude. You are that one person your alcoholic wife, husband, child, parent, or friend has.

Is it important to care about yourself?

As shocking as it sounds, caring about yourself is as important as caring about your loved one facing an alcohol use disorder. Most people overlook this simple practice and end up ruining their lives. They’re pondering over how to help an alcoholic family member, or how to help an alcoholic friend so much that they put too much stress on themselves along the way. Here’s how to remain safe, sane, and healthy in the process of helping an alcoholic.

Can you motivate an alcoholic friend?

As a result, you may not be able to motivate your alcoholic friend or family member into seeking professional help.

Can you drink with an alcoholic?

Do not get involved in their drinking sessions. As obvious as it sounds, you should never partake in drinking with an alcoholic, even if it’s ‘only a drink or two’ . By doing so, you are effectively encouraging his or her behavior – an alcoholic will feel as if there’s nothing wrong with their addiction.

How to get through to an addict?

To get through to an addict, start by utilizing resources to educate yourself about what they may be going through. The internet has a plethora of information when it comes to addiction, and many resources to contact if your questions are not answered. 2. Be patient. At times, this may be trying, but it’s necessary.

What happens if you are interacting with someone who is struggling with alcohol?

If you’re interacting with someone who struggles with alcohol use, chances are that you are feeling frustrated. Your loved one may have neglected family duties or engaged in violent or abusive behavior while drinking. No matter how frustrated you are, placing blame on them or making accusations is likely to make them defensive. If this happens, they won’t be willing to listen to what you have to say.

Why do people refuse to go to rehab?

Some people may refuse to enter inpatient rehab because they are worried about giving up their entire lives and leaving behind work and family to enter treatment. If this is the case for your loved one, you may have better luck convincing them to enter outpatient services. This allows them to continue with their usual routine while attending treatment at a clinic during the day. If they’re opposed to residential treatment, they may also be willing to attend support group meetings as a first step.

What is recovery village?

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

How to help someone who is refusing help?

Here are some general guidelines to follow when trying to help someone see the light when it comes to alcohol abuse and addiction: 1. Educate yourself.

How to help an addict who loses temper?

Be patient. At times, this may be trying, but it’s necessary. An addict will likely never respond well to someone who loses their temper or seems impatient. However, being patient does not mean you should enable a user’s behavior. Know when to remain calm versus when to walk away and draw the line. 3.

What happens if you don't place your well being first?

If you do not place your well-being first and foremost, your presence likely won’t do anyone any good. It’s important to establish healthy boundaries. When an addict’s behaviors and lifestyle are having a negative impact on your emotional well-being, it’s okay to take a step back.

How to talk to your loved one about alcohol?

You might consider reading articles, books, or websites, or accessing other free resources on AUDs, too.

How to tell if someone is drinking alcohol?

These physical signs may include bloodshot eyes, alcohol on their breath , sleeping more than usual or appearing tired, or an unsteady gait. 3

How to express concern about your loved one's drinking?

Remember to use “I” statements that express your feelings and your concerns and the ways that you are impacted by your loved one’s alcohol use. You could say, “I am concerned about your alcohol use. I’ve noticed that I’m increasingly worried when you come home late at night and I don’t know where you’ve been.”

Why is drinking so bad?

Drinking becomes problematic when it affects a person’s life to the point where they can no longer control their alcohol use. They continue to drink despite negative impacts it has on their life. When someone’s drinking progresses to this extent, a person may have an alcohol use disorder. 1

What to do when you feel burnt out?

Taking care of yourself is an important thing to remember when you’re concerned for someone you love – yet it’s sometimes one of the first things people push aside. Unfortunately, if you feel burnt out, you’ll be less capable of providing love and support to your loved one.

What does it mean when someone is intoxicated?

They may appear intoxicated, become less interested in relationships, work activities, schoolwork, or being unable to refuse an offer of alcohol. 3. Sometimes, people struggling with alcohol misuse may begin telling lies or being secretive about their whereabouts, alcohol use, and more.

What happens if you love someone with an AUD?

If you love someone with an AUD, you may unknowingly engage in caretaking, rescuing or enabling behaviors. You may experience what is known as codependency, or an unhealthy emotional reliance on your loved one. Talking to others who have been in your position (in a support group, for example) can help you develop healthier strategies to protect your boundaries. This way, you will be less likely to lose touch with your personal needs. 5

How to convince a drug addict to change?

In some cases, when the drinker / drug user has not yet descended too deeply into their addiction we can convince them to take immediate action towards change fairly quickly via Sober Coaching or by engaging them in conversation with someone who has already recovered and is well into the journey of recovery already.

Why do so many alcoholics die before they are ever introduced to recovery?

The idea that the family of an alcoholic or an addict must wait for them to have completely extinguished their desire to remain inebriated, stoned or high and for them to become ready to recover from their addictive disease is why so many alcoholics and addicts die before they’re ever been introduced to recovery and an alternative lifestyle filled with the riches and warm opportunities most of Western civilization takes for granted.

How does a sober interventionist work?

Each family member takes their turn while the Sober Interventionist guides the session and leads the vibe within the room, keeping everybody calm as much as possible and ensuring the smooth process to successful completion.

What is sober intervention?

By far the most effective, loving and healthy way to confront the alcoholic / addict who is expressing very little willingness to accept help or change, a Sober Intervention raises the perceived pain of continuing to drink / use drugs versus the proposed pain of accepting the help we’re trying to offer them right here, right now, right away.

How to get through to the people through brutal honesty?

Hopefully, sooner or later, you will be able to get through to the them through brutal honesty, but like advertising, the key is to be persistent. Be very persistent. And patient. Or choose one of the more dramatic but instance solutions listed earlier.

What is the goal of behavioural change?

The goal is to try to reason and talk with the person so they can accept further professional help to bring about permanent behavioural change.

Do addicts like to be lectured?

Nobody wants to be lectured to. Most people find it annoying to some degree. But to an Addict, it can often seem to push their buttons and send them wreathing with resentment, anger and bitterness.

When Is It Time For Treatment?

Options For Treatment

What Fda-Approved Medications Are available?

Tips For Selecting Treatment

• Professionals in the alcohol treatment field offer advice on what to consider when choosing a treatment program. Overall, gather as much information as you can about the program or provider before making a decision on treatment. If you know someone who has first-hand knowledge of the program, it may help to ask about his or her personal experience....

See more on niaaa.nih.gov

Resources