drunk man with glass of alcohol on table at night

According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), nearly 15 million people over the age of 12 have Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The CDC says that excessive alcohol use includes any drinking for pregnant women and young adults under the legal drinking age. Binge drinking includes consuming more than five drinks in one day for men, four drinks for women. If you drink more than 15 drinks for men (eight for women) per week, you are considered a heavy drinker.

If this describes someone you love, you may find it difficult to deal with them. This article includes tips on how to free yourself from blame and help your loved one get the assistance they need from qualified recovery centers, such as America’s Rehab Campuses in Arizona.

Tips of Dealing With an Alcoholic

Before someone with alcohol use disorder enrolls in an alcohol addiction treatment program, they first have to admit that they need help. Sometimes, friends and family members can help the person with AUD admit that there is a problem. However, in order to heal, they must make the decision to enter treatment and give it 100% of their effort.

Free Yourself From Blame

As a defense mechanism, someone with alcohol use disorder may blame their drinking on other people or the circumstances of their lives. If you have heard someone you know say something like, “The only reason I drink is because of…”, it’s time to reassess your interaction with the person. Don’t take the blame for the behavior of others. Instead, focus on helping them realize that alcohol has eroded your relationship and, probably, everything else in their lives.

Remember, It’s Not Personal

An alcoholic might promise that they will never drink again. However, they typically return to drinking soon thereafter. It’s hard not to take broken promises personally but remember that alcohol use disorder is a disease. It changes the brain chemistry of those who become addicted to alcohol. Therefore, the person might quite literally not be in control of their own thoughts and feelings.

Take a Step Back

Many family members who live with someone with alcohol use disorder find themselves taking a step back. After you try everything you can think of and it doesn’t work, you may become frustrated and angry. This will not help the person with the problem change any faster. Until they admit to themselves that they are no longer in trouble, you might want to take a step back and focus on other areas of your life.

Let a Crisis Happen

This could be the most valuable and difficult step so far. If someone with AUD has a crisis, don’t reach out to save the day. After they move beyond the crisis, they might finally admit that they have a major problem and need professional assistance to get better. By coming to the rescue and not letting them deal with their own problems, you simply enable their continued addiction. For example, if someone regularly drinks and drives, let them get a DUI, go to jail or lose their job. This crisis could be the thing that changes the course of their life forever, often for the better.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment at America’s Rehab Campuses

Substance use disorder is a chronic condition that can lead to fatal consequences. No matter how much you love someone or what background you have, you may be too close to help them directly. Instead, offer to go with them to talk to an admissions counselor at America’s Rehab Campuses. We provide care and support in a variety of alcohol treatment programs designed to give our clients the tools needed for long-term sobriety.