One of the hardest things is seeing someone lose themselves due to alcohol abuse. Most times, families and friends share in the consequences of someone’s decline in health and overall well-being because of their alcoholism. When you care for the person, it would be painful for you to see them that way — wasting all their time and opportunities, not being able to maximize their skills and potential. Also, as someone who cares, you’ll most probably want to help them overcome this for you and the whole family, but especially for the individual’s well-being.
Studies show that although people are stuck at home and not allowed or advised to go to bars, pubs, clubs, or to their friend’s house, the number of people developing alcoholism has gone up. With more time without anything to do and how stressful and lonely being stuck in the house for so long can get, some people have resorted to drinking every day to rid themselves of this feeling.
It can be challenging to deal with someone drunk in your home every day for how many months now, and more due to the pandemic’s gravity. Some experts believe it would take more years before we could conquer this crisis. Will you be able to adapt or stand having to deal with an alcoholic for the rest of the months to come? Good thing help is available, and getting through this is possible.
Here are some of the ways you can help someone suffering alcoholism:
Do your research.
Learn about how alcoholism develops and its effects on a person’s well-being. You have to understand it in every aspect; be it physical, mental, emotional, social, sexual, and spiritual health. Knowing more about alcoholism will help you accept and understand that it’s never easy to get over an addiction. It can have a physical and psychological impact and difficulties for him/her.
2.List down a list of information where you can get help.
There are always possibilities that things can go worse. In these critical cases and in times of emergencies, you will need professional help such as from counsellors or doctors who can attend to whatever your needs are.
3.Establish constant communication with your friend.
First, know how they’re doing. When they answer that they’re upset, find ways to cheer them up. If you can’t seem to do so, chances are they’re going to head on to their refrigerator and bring up their mood or distract themselves. Keep them busy so they won’t have to grab an alcoholic drink. Remind them how and why they shouldn’t drink alcohol or keep them engaged in a different activity.
4.Make him or her feel your support.
Your support can be a powerful motivation for them. Knowing that they’ll have your back throughout the process can be enough reason for them to go on. More so, when you show how much you want them to come through, they’ll feel the need, challenge, and desire not to disappoint you.
5.Slowly suggest the idea of getting help.
Many cases of alcoholism are better conquered with the help of professionals and their scientifically-backed methods. Alcohol addiction treatment may consist of specialized programs, therapy sessions, joining support groups, and such.
6.Seek help for yourself.
To become an effective support, you must also keep yourself in check. You have to remain strong despite the difficulties you may face as someone who will be helping a loved one maintain consistency and discipline during the process. Don’t let your mental health be gravely affected by the process. Always remember that it is possible for them to overcome addiction, don’t lose hope. More so, you can always call other family members and friends of the individual to help in this endeavour.