How to Support an Alcoholic in Recovery

Living with an alcoholic can be very difficult and emotionally draining, so giving them the proper support can help them recover. However, it is also important to remember that you are not responsible for the alcoholic’s drinking and that it is not your fault.

Ways to Support Someone in Addiction Recovery

If you have a loved one struggling with substance use disorder, there are many ways to help them achieve sobriety.

Educate Yourself

Learn about the disease of alcoholism and the recovery process. You can find helpful information in books, websites, support groups, and counseling. Familiarizing yourself with different recovery approaches can help you provide the proper support when needed. 

Don’t Enable

Provide emotional support, but don’t make excuses for the alcoholic’s behavior or cover up for them. Make sure to let them know that you care about them, but also be clear that their drinking is unacceptable. Always promote accountability and encourage your loved one to take responsibility for their actions. 

Encourage Treatment

Let them know that there is help available for alcoholism and that you want to support them in getting it. Do not ever pressure someone to get treatment, as this may make them more resistant. Instead, provide assistance. This can be offering to accompany them to a doctor’s appointment or a support group.

Be Patient

Recovery is a process that can take time. Don’t expect overnight miracles; be supportive and encouraging throughout the process. Setbacks are also part of the recovery process, so you should never treat these minor setbacks as failures. 

Be Available

Offer ongoing support, even when the alcoholic is struggling. Let them know you are there for them and willing to listen and help however you can. You may also want to participate in healthy activities to find new hobbies and passions outside substance abuse. 

Reach Out for Help

If you find yourself struggling to support the alcoholic in recovery, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available both in person and online. Family therapy can also be a good idea to help heal relationships affected by addiction. 

How to Help a Loved One Prevent Relapse

The recovery journey isn’t always easy, and if you want to help your loved one stay sober, then you should also know how to help them prevent relapse. Fortunately, there are different resources available for those struggling with addiction.

One of the ways people can stay sober is through support groups. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment to share stories, gain insight, and offer encouragement to each other.

For example, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international organization offering support for people in recovery from addiction. AA meetings provide an anonymous and safe environment to discuss struggles and successes in recovery. They have a family counterpart for family members of people who have an addiction called Al-Anon. 

Continued therapy can also be very beneficial for people in recovery from addiction. Professional counselors can provide individual and group counseling so that those struggling with alcohol addiction can learn new coping mechanisms to prevent relapse. 

Setting Healthy Boundaries While Being Supportive

Setting boundaries is important when helping someone with addiction. This helps protect your well-being and creates a clear understanding of what’s acceptable. Here are some ways to do so:

1. Be Honest and Direct About Your Feelings: If you have been negatively affected by your loved one’s drinking, then it is important to be honest and direct about how it makes you feel.
2. Express Your Needs: Make it clear to your loved one what you need from them to maintain a healthy relationship. It is important to be firm and show understanding and compassion.
3. Take Care of Yourself First: It is essential always to prioritise your well-being before anything else. If you feel like you are at risk of being taken advantage of or hurt, then it is important to remove yourself from the situation.
4. Seek Professional Help: If the situation is becoming too difficult to manage independently, it is important to seek professional help. This could be through counseling or support groups.

How Alcoholism Affects Loved Ones

Alcoholism can have a devastating impact on loved ones. It can lead to a wide range of issues, including financial difficulties, strained relationships, communication problems, and even physical and emotional abuse.

The family members of an alcoholic often feel overwhelmed and helpless, worrying about their loved one and feeling powerless to help. They may also experience feelings of guilt, shame, fear, anger, and sadness.

Friends and family members often feel they should be able to “fix” the problem and suffer when they can’t. They also have to deal with the unpredictable behavior of their loved ones, which can be difficult and erratic.

Ultimately, alcoholism can be very damaging to family relationships and can cause long-term emotional and psychological damage to those affected.

Take the First Step to Sobriety with Luxe Recovery

Helping someone recover from alcoholism can be a challenging experience. It is important to be supportive and understanding of their journey towards sobriety. Respect the person’s need for privacy, and encourage them to seek help if needed.

Luxe Recovery is ready to welcome them if you want to refer them to the proper help. We have years of experience in helping people achieve sobriety through professional addiction treatment. 

Our doors are always open to those who want a more fulfilling life free from harmful substances. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.