Watching your best friend succumbing to alcohol abuse is not a pleasant experience. You care for them. You’re at a loss to figure out what can be done to help your buddy. You also need to understand whether your friend needs your help or wants to quit. Alcohol abuse isn’t a problem only when it comes to youngsters. According to an article published in Forbes, almost one million older adults are dealing with substance abuse, be it alcohol, medicines, or nicotine.
People with alcohol addiction have issues overcoming their consumption habits or drinking in moderation. Too much alcohol use affects a person’s family and professional relationships. So, here is how you can help your friend quit alcohol:
Read More About Alcohol Abuse
First things first, you need to figure out whether your buddy has an alcohol addiction or not. It’s not just about drinking more. It is sometimes more about the way of coping with alcoholism. Sometimes, people drink more at parties or gatherings, but that’s different from alcohol abuse. An alcoholic doesn’t drink in maintaining self-control even when they assert that they have only one drink. To understand the problem, you need to read more about alcoholism, the problem, and its related symptoms.
You can also look up websites that provide services to deal with alcohol abuse to help your friend in a better way. This way, you will learn about alcohol addiction as well as the experience.
Rehearse How You Will Communicate
When you help your friend cope with alcohol abuse, let him or her know you’re there and you care. Make statements that are optimistic and sympathetic. Don’t use words that sound rude, negative, and presuming. If you need more advice on alcohol abuse, look up The Last Resort Recovery Center of Austin, TX. For the location details, click:
Try to use statements with “I” that help in reducing allegations so that you become an active partaker in the conversation. Talk about a particular concern. You may say that excessive alcohol use leads to violent behavior and financial issues. Instead of saying “You are an alcohol abuser” mention that “You need to get assistance dealing with the problem.” Say that you love him or her as a friend, which matters to you the most. Say that alcohol abuse is injurious to health.
If your friend reacts negatively, don’t worry as that is natural. Even if your buddy is angry, you need to stay calm and composed ensuring full support for your loved one.
Choose The Correct Place And Time
You need to choose the right place to initiate the conversation, a spot where there is privacy and quietness. Stay away from interruptions so that both of you can talk and listen to each other. Also, choose the right time when your friend is free to talk. Talk when he or she isn’t drinking and is sober.
Conclusion
Keep these suggestions in mind when you plan to help your friend addicted to alcohol. Stay positive and calm.
