Alcoholism is considered amongst the most serious and prevalent forms of addiction in the United States today. Statistics compiled by the Center For Disease Control (CDC) claim that nearly 90,000 people per year die to alcoholism and related illnesses. That said, the ailment is also thought to be one of the most preventable forms of death.
Though preventing illness, significantly adverse life consequences and death is possible, the task is often quite difficult. Alcohol addiction is a tough habit to break for many. Sometimes, breaking addicts of this vicious cycle requires offering said persons as much help as they can receive. Achieving that aim might require an alcoholic's friends and family join forces. The friends and relations of an alcoholic might be able to convince their loved one to seek help by partaking in actions including:
Encouragement To Attend DUI Classes, Counseling And Other Meetings
In some cases, the throes of an alcoholic's addiction could land them in trouble. Such is the case if said individuals get caught driving under the influence (DUI). Should this unfortunate event occur, the person in question might be required get a DUI evaluation and to attend DUI classes, DUI counseling or other mandated meetings as required by a court.
Granted, these meetings might be required by law. However, the friends and families of such individuals are encouraged to stress the importance of not only attending DUI counseling or other courses but attempt to learn something from them.
Avoid Becoming A Co-Dependent
Addiction experts label co-dependents as people, who are often close family or friends with the alcoholic, as individuals who enable the addict's behavior. Enabling is thought to take several different forms such as making excuses for the addict's drinking, allowing said individuals to drink excessively in their presence or not formulating a tough stance against such behavior.
Co-dependents often yearn to execute more aggressive stances against the addict's behavior but fear that acting harshly will worsen the problem or place their loved one in greater danger. However, in reality, enabling their continual ill behavior typically precipitates an exacerbation of the addiction.
Confront The Situation
Addiction specialists suggest that an alcoholic's friends and relations should not fear confronting the individual in question about their problem. However, such actions should be executed when the addict is sober, which will enable said person to think with greater clarity and likely exhibit a less confrontational attitude.
Avoid Dramatic Interventions
Many addiction experts opine that dramatic interventions, as often depicted on television and other media forms, often do not always yield intended results. There is a growing tendency in the addiction field to favor an endeavor known as Community Reinforcement and Family Therapy (CRAFT). This effort involves friends and family members working together to establish strategies designed to convince their loved one to seek treatment in lieu of coming after them in one ultra dramatic moment.
You Are Not Alone
Living with or experiencing a close relationship with an alcoholic can be frustrating and frightening. However, addiction specialists suggest that, though it may be difficult from time to time, loved ones should try to express as positive an outlook as possible. Doing so demonstrates to the addict that people still care for them and truly wish they get well.
0 Comments