Exterminating alcohol from the life of an alcoholic is an arduous task. It takes a lot of effort and poise to help someone stop drinking. When a person makes alcohol a lifestyle, it not only affects the alcoholic's health, but also his loved ones.
Alcoholism is a family problem and not an individual problem. Addiction is a slow killer and will hit not only the alcoholic but the whole family's dynamic. Although only the addicted person itself is the one who can get rid of the addiction, the family and their loved ones play an important role too.
You do not have to blame yourself for the behavior and addiction of an alcoholic. If you want your loved ones to get rid of, alcoholic then here are some steps you can follow if you are thinking how to stop drinking, however do not put yourself in a dangerous situation.
Arbitrate in the matter:
The first thing you can do to help your loved one is to intervene. They may not like it, or you may not feel comfortable doing so but better now than later. Talk to the person, but do not judge them. Talk to them about how they are slowly adopting the wrong path. Sometimes the person is unaware of the lifestyle they have adopted, and it will be very helpful for them if you let them know.
Don't implicate or shame the person
Now you see talking to the person does not mean you accuse them of being an alcoholic or making them feel ashamed of themselves. It will not only make them feel cited but may also lead to an increase in such activities. Talking to them means letting them know you genuinely care for them regardless of the addiction. Let them know you only want the best for them.
Let the person take charge
No matter how hard you try to encourage them or helping them, the last decision lies in their hand. Unless they themselves decide to get rid of drinking alcohol, no change can be brought. Try giving them examples as to why they are harming themselves, and you only want the best for them.
Take baby steps
Well, they are not going to stop drinking within a day, a week, or even a month. It takes years to overcome an addiction and start a new life. What, however, you can do is, start today by taking baby steps. Set rules for your loved ones like initially drinking just one day in a week, or not visiting places where you often drink or meeting people who lead you to drink. These steps may appear small, but they surely work. Soon you'll see the change.
Alcohol addiction treatments
If you think, your partner is ready to accept their flaw and is ready to bring some positive change, then getting a de-addiction treatment will be an unparalleled choice. The treatments work very efficiently and yield great results. The professionals working there will determine a lot of factors like alcohol use, level of dependence, and other health conditions to find the most suitable treatment for your loved one.
Be prepared for impediments
The road to cutting off drinking is long and bumpy. There will be times when they may experience setbacks. They might not do it intentionally, but you have to play a major role in such situations. If you get to know that your loved one was distracted, don't shout or judge them. They might be on a guilt trip, and you will only worsen their condition. Instead, talk to them; let them know it's ok, and that you trust them for not doing it again. Tell them having one drink does not mean they have to turn it into a relapse.
Post-treatment
Most people think once they attend addiction treatment, they'll be fine forever. However, the treatment continues throughout your life. You cannot go back to the old life and methods again. The aftercare is the time when your loved one needs you the most. Support them, help them find a purpose in life, and talk to them whenever they want to. The therapists are always ready to talk and discuss if you have any issues.
Conclusion:
The road is long and will test your patience many times. Being supportive is the best you can do for your loved ones. Let them know how you truly care about them and how happy you'll be once they win this battle. You can stand with them, talk to them, and walk with them to the path of recovery. Show you are proud of them and visit support centers if you think how to help an alcoholic.
No matter what the level of alcohol addiction is, it is not a smart move to deny or ignore it. Seeking professional guidance from addiction treatment centers is always the ideal choice. The best treatment will get them back on the right track and will let them live a healthy and happy life.
