Loving An Alcoholic What To Do If Your Loved One Is An Alcoholic

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 providers. Alcohol use disorder is like any other addiction, and the decision to seek support needs to be made by the person who has the problem. You can be a positive influence in the life of your loved one, however, and encourage them to get help by suggesting different treatment options.

Step 4: Approach and listen with honesty and compassion

Daily drinking can have serious consequences for a person’s health, both in the short- and long-term. Many of the effects of drinking every day can be reversed through early intervention. Functional alcoholics differ from those who struggle with alcoholism, primarily in how alcohol affects their lives.

Press Play for Advice On Finding Help for Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction can consume people, causing them to lose sight of their familial responsibilities. Spouses often pick up the slack and endure the psychological effects, including anxiety and depression, of living with someone with an alcohol addiction. To avoid enabling an alcoholic spouse, you may have to leave the home you share, which can seem like too brash of a decision. However, it sometimes takes a harsh reality to make an alcoholic see a situation for what it is. Many of us are hesitant to ask for help, particularly if we have had the role of spouse or partner to an alcoholic or addict.

Holding an Intervention

She’s also currently working on her dissertation, which explores intersections of disability studies and literacy studies. When she’s not researching or writing, Cherney enjoys getting outdoors as much as possible. When living with alcohol use disorder symptoms and causes someone who has AUD, it’s important to understand that you didn’t cause the addiction. It’s also important to ask your loved one directly what you can do to help, especially during special events where alcohol may be served.

What Percentage of Alcoholics are Functioning or High Functioning Alcoholics?

Even though they may want to stop, many functioning alcoholics often won’t know where or how to begin the process. This is where family, friends and medical professionals can work together to create a plan to help end this cycle before they do more harm to themselves. For families affected by alcoholism, family therapy options are available.

1. Having a short- or long-term relationship with an alcoholic can be incredibly destructive.
2. A support group will help you feel less alone and give you a judgement-free space to discuss your thoughts and feelings with people who are in a similar situation.
3. Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy.
4. This might involve removing them from joint accounts or leaving the situation temporarily to ensure your safety.
5. As the loved one of someone in recovery, it’s vital to remember that healing is an ongoing process and setbacks can occur.

The impact depends on when a person started drinking, how long they’ve been drinking, and how often and how much they drink. The brain experiences the effects of alcohol right away, resulting in changes in mood, behavior, and judgment. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your blood alcohol levels and the greater your level of alcohol intoxication. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing.

More Questions about Treatment?

You may think, “If they really love me, they wouldn’t lie to me.” Living with an alcoholic can be immensely stressful for you. Again, it may seem like a “no-brainer,” but one of the ways NOT to stop someone from drinking is to succumb to pressure and start drinking yourself.

As mentioned above, the DSM-5 says an AUD diagnosis requires at least 2 of the 11 symptoms of alcoholism listed above to have occurred within the previous 12 months. It’s not necessarily the best idea to confront your loved one on your own. Instead, it’s best to encourage them to get help without accusations or judgment. The lost child gets lost in the chaos and essentially slips into the background. They stay out of everyone’s way and try to avoid interaction and potential conflict with the rest of the family. During the first 10 months of her husband’s rehab, Rose’s life was a nightmare.

For example, let your partner know that their alcohol consumption is affecting your relationship and that you will not tolerate certain behaviors. One way to establish boundaries is by creating a list of specific actions or situations you will no longer accept, such as financial irresponsibility or physical aggression. By understanding the potential domestic violence risks and alcohol-related health issues, you can better prepare yourself to cope with the challenges of living with an alcoholic. It’s essential to prioritize your own safety and mental well-being while supporting your loved one through their journey to sobriety. When living with an alcoholic, it’s crucial to learn about the disorder, recognize the signs, and provide support when needed. Remember that this is a challenging time for both you and your loved one, so seek help from professionals and support groups if necessary.

It involves planning, giving consequences, sharing, and presenting a treatment option. You may also want to see if other family members and friends want to be involved. This can depend on several factors, such as how serious the situation is or how private the person may be. Realize that you can’t force someone who doesn’t want to go into treatment. Imagine yourself in the same situation and what your reaction might be. If the person does have an alcohol problem, the best thing you can do is be open and honest with them about it.

By understanding the journey, providing support, and staying educated about alcoholism recovery stages, you can help your loved one stay on the path to a healthier, happier life. Seeking counseling can also prove beneficial in this situation. A therapist specializing in addiction can provide guidance on coping skills and help you navigate the complex emotions and challenges that living with an alcoholic presents.

Try not to enable your alcoholic spouse by excusing their behavior or caring for them when hungover. Sherry Gaba, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist/author specializing in addictions, codependency, and underlying issues such as depression, trauma, and anxiety. If you really need help, and you just can’t ask, then pay someone to help you. Complex issues around codependency and relationships are often best suited to help from a therapist or counselor. Your friend or loved one may also vow to cut back on their own. Being close to someone addicted to alcohol can bring an immense amount of stress into your life.

Programmes like Al-Anon, for example, are fantastic spaces where individuals can voice their concerns and accept fellowship during difficult times. We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions alcohol intervention and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Making the commitment to love yourself, above all else, is not selfish, but a show of strength. Addiction has taken someone you love and turned them into someone you don’t recognize.

Before he committed to recovery, Rose’s husband was oblivious to the family’s problems. After he committed to sobriety, her husband became more physically and emotionally present during family crises. Rose said alcoholism is a disease that alters an individual’s brain chemistry and pushes a person to behave in ways that harm their families. A spouse can confront the addicted person through a personal conversation or intervention. Asking for assistance in moving forward in a healthier relationship is critical for those in relationships with addicts.

If you have children, it’s important to protect them from unacceptable behavior as well. Do not tolerate hurtful or negative comments addressed towards them. These comments can result in lasting damage to a child’s psyche. You do not have to put up with unacceptable behavior in your life. Keep in mind that someone with alcohol dependence usually goes through a few stages before they are ready to make a change. Until they begin to contemplate quitting, any actions you take to “help” them quit will often be met with resistance.

Friends, roommates, or other family members who live with someone with AUD may also find themselves blaming the person or trying to control their drinking behaviors. If you’re the partner of someone with AUD, you might feel isolated — or tempted to isolate out of embarrassment or shame. Experiencing domestic violence, emotional abuse, or other hurtful actions like infidelity can further how does alcohol affect blood pressure push partners to withdraw from family and friends. If you live with someone with alcohol use disorder, you know addiction doesn’t just impact one person. Children who grow up with a parent with AUD are more likely to misuse alcohol themselves later in life. They’re also at a higher risk for other challenges, including difficulties forming close relationships, lying, and self-judgment.