• For 24/7 Treatment Help Call

    (800) 526-5053

  • If you have an alcoholic family member or friend, know that alcohol addiction can be treated.

    Unfortunately, only the person with the alcohol abuse problem can make the effort to stop drinking. They must first acknowledge their alcohol problem and then make the choice to receive alcohol treatment.

    However, you may play a critical role in the life of the person suffering from substance abuse. If you find yourself worried about how to talk to someone who has a drinking problem, take a look at some helpful tips. 

    Do Your Research

    To be able to speak with someone regarding their drinking problem, you’ll first need to do research and know the right words to say. Acknowledging that addiction is a disease is one of the first steps.

    Once you’ve learned more about alcoholism and the health issues that go along with it, try not to feel overwhelmed. Absorb the information and take your time. 

    Make A List Of Things To Say

    Your self-care is important, so take your time to get your thoughts together. It may be helpful to write a list of things you’d like to say to your loved one. Try to use sentences that begin with “I” to better express your concern.

    Don’t Blame, Shame, Or Guilt The Person

    Someone with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may also suffer from some form of mental illness. This is why it’s important to be extremely delicate in the way that you speak to the person. 

    While you may be angry at your loved one for making bad decisions, we must not blame or shame the person. Those with an addiction problem are suffering from a disease.

    Consider Their Mental Health

    While alcohol abuse and drug abuse have negative consequences, your loved one doesn’t need to feel hopeless or helpless, especially if they’re already suffering from anxiety or depression. 

    Their mental health may be in a fragile state, so we don’t want to preach, threaten, or bribe them. Let them know you’re concerned for their well-being.

    Explain Your Concerns & Worries

    While we don’t advise using shame or anger as a tactic, we do recommend that you be honest in regards to the way you feel. While you may be hurt by your loved one and not understand why they’re addicted to alcohol, your job is to simply be there for them.

    While refraining from using words such as “alcoholic,” be sure to let your loved one know that you believe they may have a drinking problem. Let them know you’re concerned and that you want to help them with their drug addiction.

    Offer To Help

    You can also offer to find treatment for them and even speak to healthcare professionals together. This will let the person know they aren’t alone. 

    Gently Suggest Treatment

    Without being pushy, you’ll want to suggest that your loved one stops drinking alcohol and begins a treatment program. While they may be hesitant to receive help at first, make certain they know you’ll assist them along the way.

    Offer Guidance

    Tell them about possible treatment providers and other health professionals you’ve spoken to. Let them know you’ve researched and that you’re willing to go to family therapy

    Let them know some treatment options and support groups that might be of interest such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Al-Anon. Since you’ll be knowledgeable about programs, your loved one may become more interested.

    Support Their Recovery Efforts

    If a person decides to choose one of the treatment facilities you described, you’ll want to know the facility’s policies before making promises to your loved one. If the treatment center allows visitation, let your loved one know you will stop by and see them.

    Be Their Support System During Withdrawal

    Your loved one may need referrals to see other doctors. It’s possible that they may need to join an inpatient program to monitor symptoms of withdrawal.

    If the person is dealing with alcohol withdrawal and needs to undergo detox, they may be irritable and depressed. Alcoholism treatment can be a difficult process, but if they have a strong support system, which is something you can help to provide, they can live a sober life.

    If your loved one is living with substance use disorder, connect with our helpline today to learn about our treatment programs.

    Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
    ©2023 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
    This page does not provide medical advice.
    Sources

    National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus - Helping a Loved One with a Drinking Problem
    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - How to Tell if Your Child is Drinking Alcohol
    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - Should You Talk to Someone About a Drug, Alcohol, or Mental Health Problem?
    US Department of Health & Human Services - How to Help Someone You Know with a Drinking Problem

    Medically Reviewed by
    Manish Mishra, MBBS
    on June 22, 2022
    Questions About Treatment?

    Ark Behavioral Health offers 100% confidential substance abuse assessment and treatment placement tailored to your individual needs. Achieve long-term recovery.

    100% confidential. We respect your privacy.
    Prefer Texting?

    Our friendly support team is here to chat 24/7. Opt out any time.

    chat-header

    Our Facilities

    Premier Drug Rehab & Mental Health Care Facilities In Massachusetts & Ohio

    Bedrock Recovery

    Canton, MA

    • Medical detox
    • Inpatient & Residential Treatment
    • Primary Mental Health Care
    • Movie Theater & Fitness Center

    Learn More

    Northeast Addictions

    Quincy, MA

    • Day treatment program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Full-Day Group Therapy
    • Easy Access to Public Transit

    Learn More

    Spring Hill Recovery Center

    Ashby, MA

    • Residential Treatment
    • Gender-Specific Residencies
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Expansive 70-Acre Campus

    Learn More

    Ohio Recovery Center

    Van Wert, OH

    • Medical Detox
    • Residential Treatment
    • Primary Mental Health Care
    • 55-Acre Campus

    Learn More

    For Immediate Treatment Help Call 800-526-5053