Communicating Concern For A Loved One’s Alcoholism

Communicating concern for a loved one’s alcoholism is an act that takes a great deal of strength, love, and courage. In most cases, it may appear easier to simply look the other way, though, in order for your relationship and your friend to continue, the issue must be addressed. Though the process can be emotionally draining, it is often far less complex than you might expect. In this entry, we will walk you though a few tips to help you express your concerns.

1 – Determine a location. Though it may seem natural to stage the conversation in a home setting, these areas often serve to create feelings of anxiety, defensiveness, and aggression. Opting for a quiet and neutral spot where you can both express yourselves will be ideal for subduing any harsh feelings and avoiding interruption.

2 – Choose your words wisely. Be compassionate, but focused. Beating around the bush will only increase defensive feelings, and will do little to serve your end goal.

Try using the word “I” more than the word “you.” “You are doing…” comes off much more aggressive than “I feel that…”

Plan out what you want to say beforehand to help ensure a smoother conversation. The better prepared you are, the easier this whole deal will be.

3 – Offer your support. Make sure to communicate your compassion and commitment to the relationship. The more positive you are, the better the chances your point will be well received. 

If you have a friend or family member struggling with an alcohol dependency, out Above It All treatment specialists are available to help. Give us a call today, and let us help your loved one back on track towards the happy, healthy, and fulfilling life they deserve. 

Getting Sober - Now

 “ If he is not interested in your solution, if he expects you to act only as a banker for his financial difficulties or a nurse for his sprees, you may have to drop him until he changes his mind. This he may do after he gets hurt some more. If he is sincerely interested and wants to see you again, ask him to read this book in the interval. After doing that, he must decide for himself whether he wants to go on. He should not be pushed or prodded by you, his wife, or his friends. If he is to find God, the desire must come from within.” - pg. 95 from the chapter entitled “Working With Others” from The Big Book Of Alcoholics Anonymous

In order to get to the place where we are open to receiving inpatient drug rehab most of us have to first get to the place where we are so desperate that we are able to surrender. When it comes to drug and alcohol abuse it is more than a matter of not having enough will power it is an allergy of the body and a disease that centers in the mind therefor most of us are not successful when it comes to trying to quit on our own. Through the help of a drug addiction detox, or AA we are able to recover from this seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. This is a self-diagnosed disease. Only you know if drugs and/or alcohol are a problem and only you can decide to take the steps towards getting the help that you need.

Tips For Alcohol Sobriety While Celebrating

It can be difficult for many people to practice alcohol sobriety while attending celebrations. It may seem that no matter where you look, you will find people drinking and celebrating with various types of liquor, and you may feel the familiar sense of temptation to have a drink. However, if you are a recovering alcoholic, it is important to remember that even one drink can send you on a slippery slope down the road of alcoholism.

However, as a celebratory or sobriety survival guide will tell you, the important thing about staying sober during a festivity is to simply follow a few easy tips, each of which can help you fight away temptation while still celebrating with your friends.

Tips To Stay Sober 

 

Reconnecting with an AA group or its former members is an excellent way to get and provide much needed support during this difficult time. Invite each other over and share stories and talk about your personal successes over temptation. Even if you find yourself struggling just a little bit, you can call an AA friend and know that he or she will be there for you. There is no reason to feel alone while attending a party, because for as many people that will be drinking, there will also be those who will not be.

Depression is not an uncommon symptom of past alcohol abuse. Even a recovering alcoholic may feel depressed, and for such times, it is important to keep your spirits up without resorting to alcohol. This involves starting a hobby, finding an interesting television show, or grabbing a new book and immersing yourself in the story. If the depression becomes too severe, then it is a good idea to speak to your doctor about the possibilities of an antidepressant.

Offer to be the designated driver for people during the party. This helps in the tremendous way that it gives you an important sense of obligation to stay sober for the safety of your friends and family. By assuming responsibility for getting them home, you will be able to hold off on drinking.

Treatment For Alcoholism

Treatment for alcoholism can be as simple as living one day at a time. Even if you go one day without a drink, you have made an important improvement for that day. The days will continue to add up, until you will have gone a week without alcohol, and then a month, and then a year, and the feeling of pride and self satisfaction will be more than worth it.