Tough Love Topics: 5 Tips for Dealing with an Alcoholic

Dealing with an alcoholic can be heartbreaking. Read on to learn 5 ways you can help your friend or loved one without harming yourself.

Chances are you have at least one alcoholic in your life. One in eight Americans is an alcoholic.

It can be stressful knowing what to do for them. You want to help them, but what do you do? This isn’t like dealing with a typical conflict between friends or family.

If you are dealing with an alcoholic in your life, these are five tips for making sure that you and then stay safe. You want to be there for them, but you need to do it in a safe and productive way.

1. Don’t Wait

If you see the signs of a problem, don’t ignore them. Don’t wait until the situation is dire and your loved one is at rock bottom to offer support.

While you can’t force anyone to seek help, you can extend the offer. Let your loved one know you are there to help them.

2. Don’t Point Fingers

Your loved one doesn’t need you placing blame on them. Chances are they are feeling bad enough as it is.

Playing the blame game doesn’t accomplish anything but drive a wedge between people and piss them off. Instead, try to offer support or possible solutions.

3. Don’t Talk While Under the Influence

Never try to talk to a loved one struggling with addiction while anyone is under influence. That goes for both them and you. Talking it out is beneficial, but only when both parties are clear headed.

When people are under the influence, they are not thinking clearly. Your loved one will not be in a place to listen if they are under the influence. You will only look hypocritical if you are under the influence.

4. Take Some Space

It is important to maintain a balance. Being supportive is important, but too much attention of constant involvement will get overwhelming for both you and them.

Make sure you take time to recharge and reset. This will help you from being overwhelmed. It will help them from feeling alienated and beat down.

5. Get Professional help

The best thing you can do is to find out more about addiction and the possible treatments. We all have opinions and misconceptions about addiction.

Talking with a professional will make sure you have the right information. This will help you communicate better with your loved one.

It will also help you and your loved one when it comes time for more help than what you can give. At a certain point, your loved one will need the help of a professional.

Dealing with an Alcoholic

If you start noticing the signs of addiction within your loved one, it is important not to wait to act. While you can’t force your loved one to make changes or get help, you also don’t want to ignore the problem and wait for rock bottom.

Time your approach and communication with your loved one. Wait until everyone is sober and not under the influence. While talking, don’t lay blame on people. Know when it’s time for some space before coming back to talk some more.

Always seek the help of a professional when dealing with an alcoholic. This is a bigger problem than what you can handle alone.

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