Having to watch your loved one suffer from alcoholism is heartbreaking. While you may be coming up with ideas on how you can offer a hand, matters may prove to be even more challenging if he or she refuses any help. In this case, the tips below will prove to be of value to you.
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Educate yourself
Before you can even help an alcoholic, regardless of his or her readiness to accept any assistance, it is important that you educate yourself about the problem. Research on the effects of alcoholism, as well as the treatments available. Also explore the possible objections that your loved one may raise once you suggest that they undergo therapy or treatment. You will be able to handle a conversation with an alcoholic better the more knowledge you have about the situation.
Choose the perfect place and time for a conversation
Plan when to approach your loved one to strike a conversation regarding his alcohol addiction. Choose a place where you know that you will have the privacy to talk and where there are no distractions because talking about alcoholism commands your full attention. As much as possible, choose also a time when you know that both of you will not be interrupted. Also, make sure that he is not intoxicated during the time that you plan to talk to him. If needed, wait long enough until he is sober.
Practice what you are going to say
In talking to a person suffering from alcoholism, make sure that you formulate statements that are positive and supportive. Being negative, hurtful, or presumptuous will not do any good as the person you are talking to will tend to shut you out instead. In line with this, avoid throwing any ultimatums because these generally don’t help with the case. Rather, try using the pronoun “I” to make you an active participant of the discussion. In this way, your statements are perceived as your concerns rather than accusations thrown at the other person. Prepare yourself for any response and stay calm, regardless of the reaction of the person you are talking to.
Find support
An effective support system is essential for alcoholics even during the phase where they are still in denial that they have a problem. This support system is not only beneficial for the alcoholics but to their families as well. This is the reason why the treatment for addiction often includes a family program that aims to rebuild trusting relationships like the medication asssisted treatment which provides a holistic approach on dealing with substance abuse. Nevertheless, aside from family members, it will also help if the person suffering from alcohol addiction can get the support he needs from the entire community.
To wrap things up, lending a hand to an alcoholic who refuses to accept any help is indeed difficult. Nevertheless, find the perfect time to approach your loved one and speak kindly with the right words. It will also help if you educate yourself and find support because in doing so, you will be able to offer assistance to your loved one even if he is unwilling to get any help.
