Alcoholism is a complex disease that can affect everyone who associated with the person who uses the substance. A problem with alcohol abuse trickles down to work, school, and family members. Many people quickly learn that living with an alcoholic requires education, knowledge, and support.
What It’s Like Living with an Alcoholic
Although you may imagine that an alcoholic lives a chaotic existence, many people suffering from this condition live relatively functional lives. Still, living with an alcoholic can be painful. Even if your family member is a high-functioning alcoholic, you may experience emotional, social, and financial distress.
Many alcoholics are able to hold down a job and manage a household. They often hide the severity of the disease. This may result in the denial of an addiction. Some people may feel like they’re in control of their drinking even though they need help.
The public persona of an alcoholic may be very different than in private. Some people act charming, organized, and sociable when they’re with friends or coworkers. At home, they may act more disinhibited, express anger more quickly, or isolate themselves. It can be difficult to connect with a spouse, child, or sibling who suffers from alcoholism.
Living With an Alcoholic: What to Do
Some people enable their loved one’s alcoholism by covering up for them or helping them avoid the consequences of their behavior. Here are some examples of things you shouldn’t do:
- Give excuses for your family member
- Lie on his or her behalf
- Participate in activities that will facilitate your loved one’s drinking
- Try to cure the disease yourself
Someone else’s drinking is not your fault. Whatever you do, don’t stay in an environment that isn’t safe for you or your children. You can leave a dangerous situation without cutting off all ties with the person.
Even if you can’t convince the other person to seek help, you can get support. Mental health and substance abuse professionals can give you advice about taking care of yourself and helping your loved one pursue care. Educating yourself about the disease can also help you understand your options.
How To Find Help For Your Family Member
If a loved one has a substance abuse disorder, he or she needs help. Even if it doesn’t damage his or her career and relationships, chronic drinking can affect someone’s physical and mental health.
You may need to hold an intervention for a family member who won’t ask for help. This can help someone see the negative effects of his or her behavior. When you confront the individual, you can present a plan for recovery and bring up the consequences of refusing treatment.
Presenting information about a high-quality rehab can encourage someone to get professional help. At Ashley Addiction Treatment, we offer a variety of innovative treatment tools for healing, including:
Recovery doesn’t have to start with voluntary admission to a rehab facility. We can help you plan to get your loved one into a program that will address all aspects of his or her wellness. Call Ashley Addiction Treatment today at 866-313-6307 to learn about our admissions process and find out how we can help you.