Alcoholism isn’t a disease that’s easy to shake off. Learning that someone you love struggles with the disease is a huge emotional blow. One of the first questions that run through your mind is probably: how can I help? If you’re wondering what to do, what to say or even where to start, we can help. Here are guidelines that help you figure out how you can help your loved one and yourself.
Don't Look Down on Them
You’re upset. You might even be angry. But understand that blaming the person with addiction problems isn’t going to help the situation. Looking down on your loved one or trying the cast blame isn’t the best way to move forward.
Educate Yourself
If you know next to nothing about addiction, you could say something that you think is harmless or innocent but might actually be damaging to the self-esteem as well as recovery efforts of the person you are trying to help. Don’t let that happen. Find out as much as you can about addiction, how it affects people, and what you can and can’t say. That’s how you can help.
Don’t Ignore the Problem
Addiction doesn’t go away on its own. Nor is willpower enough to eliminate addiction. Myths like that are harmful as it might also lead your loved one to believe that s/he can beat back the addiction without any help. When that doesn’t happen, the person might feel even more defeated and that could affect his motivation to keep trying.
Seek Out Treatment
Untreated, the condition will worsen. Get your loved one professional help. Start looking for a trusted alcohol rehab in Florida. With the guidance and assistance of doctors, counselors and trained staff, your friend or family member will have a better chance at a successful recovery.
Do Your Homework
Not all rehab facilities are equal, though. Find one that’s the ideal fit for your loved one. Will s/he thrive in that environment? Does the rehab center value support from family and friends? Some facilities limit contact with other family members while others encourage the participation of loved ones by asking them to be a part of counseling sessions. Think about the kind of rehab that works for loved one’s situation and that of your family.
Don’t Force Them
It’s not going to do anyone any good if you force the person. That will only drive them further and will hurt any future attempts on your part to reach out, as the person might no longer trust you. That’s not to say, though, that you should wait around until the person is ready. What if they never get to that point? You’ll need to find them help before it’s too late. However, do it in a way that will let them see what rehab can do, how it can help, and why they should do it. Don’t force them into it. Build efforts that entice and encourage the person instead. It’s going to take time but be patient. It’ll be worth it.