5 Things to Say to Someone Struggling with Alcohol

But in a pattern researchers say is common, Mable-Jones’ illness eventually eased. She found treatment that worked and has lived drug-free for more than 20 years. «We are literally surrounded by people who are in recovery from a substance-use disorder, but we don’t know it,» Kelly said. A separate study published by the CDC and the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 2020 found 3 out of 4 people who experience addiction eventually recover.

But in some alcoholics, withdrawal is not just unpleasant—it can be life threatening. I wanted to embrace the role of sober killjoy; I didn’t want to nurse a seltzer with lime, pretending to drink so I made other academics feel more comfortable. I also didn’t want to feel left out, to know that the professionals drinking around me were getting to experience that warm buzz, the heat of alcohol moving down their throat, the bitter, tangy taste of red wine. The Glee alum recalled her struggles with alcohol addiction during an interview with The Guardian in February 2022, revealing she got sober for a second time after relapsing years ago. Lynch explained that after going to AA for years, having a successful career and doing therapy, she began drinking again — and quickly learned she couldn’t just have one drink. Demi Lovato, who first entered rehab for drug and alcohol addiction in 2010, has used their experience to help others who may be struggling with similar problems.

Tips for talking to someone about their drinking: Things that can HELP

Studies show that people who are alcohol dependent are two to three times as likely to suffer from major depression or anxiety over their lifetime. When addressing drinking problems, it’s struggling with alcohol addiction important to also seek treatment for any accompanying medical and mental health issues. Standing by your friend or family member’s progress during and after treatment is important, too.

Even after recovery, your person will be in situations they can’t predict. Ways you can help include avoiding alcohol when you’re together or opting out of drinking in social situations. Ask about new strategies that they learned in treatment or meetings. Early treatment and intervention can help people with alcohol use disorder.

How alcohol abuse affects family and friends

«I drank because I was worried about the state of the world, I drank because I was bored, I drank because I missed tour, I drank because I was unemployed, I drank because everyone else drinks,» she revealed. Lisa Rinna’s daughter revealed in February 2022 that she was six months sober after accidentally overdosing on prescription drugs. While speaking to Flaunt magazine in December 2022, Hamlin noted that she felt «grateful» to have survived her «hard times.» The former One Direction member told iFL TV in May 2023 that he is more than 100 days sober. Now that you’ve learned more about AUDs, you may be able to better understand what your coworker, friend, family member, or other loved one is experiencing. However, you might not be ready for the emotionally taxing part of your conversation.

• It’s also important to address your family’s own needs at this time.
• Supportive partners need to support themselves as well in order to help a loved one.
• Perhaps the hardest preparations to make concern social relationships.

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 push partners to withdraw from family and friends. Understanding the available treatment options—from behavioral therapies and medications to mutual-support groups—is the first step. The important thing is to remain engaged in whatever method you choose.

Overcoming Alcohol Addiction

Combined with treatment led by health professionals, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support. The emotional impact of helping a loved one stay sober can take a toll. Seek help from a therapist or a counselor if you feel stressed or depressed.

The future of addiction recovery is becoming increasingly brighter. To learn more about alcohol treatment options and search for quality care near you, please visit the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator. This is not an uncommon concern, but the short answer is “no.” All medications approved for treating alcohol dependence are non-addictive. These medicines are designed to help manage a chronic disease, just as someone might take drugs to keep their asthma or diabetes in check. Certain medications have been shown to effectively help people stop or reduce their drinking and avoid relapse.

Offer Help and Emotional Support

However, it can also take time and effort for trust to be re-established if you have hurt friends or family while you were actively involved in your addiction. Strengthening positive relationships with the supportive people in your life can play an important part in your recovery and continued abstinence. In addition, addictions can sometimes mask underlying mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and https://ecosoberhouse.com/ even psychosis. If you are feeling blue or agitated, or you are concerned that the world or other people seem strange or upsetting since you quit, talk with a doctor. Withdrawal symptoms can be a difficult aspect of overcoming addiction for both substance and behavioral addictions. With substance addictions, the physiological aspects of withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable like a bad flu, or can even be life-threatening.

• Keep in mind the reasons you chose to cut back on or quit alcohol.
• Rehab or professional treatment can get you started on the road to recovery, but to stay alcohol-free for the long term, you’ll need to build a new, meaningful life where drinking no longer has a place.
• «I’m so grateful to be where I am, I’m so grateful to be sober. I’m so grateful to be. Remember, we are all works in progress.»
• Your loved one may be dealing with a lot of guilt and self-blame.

It involves planning, giving consequences, sharing, and presenting a treatment option. Although severe alcohol problems get the most public attention, even mild to moderate problems cause substantial damage to individuals, their families and the community. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.