What Most People Don’t Understand About Alcohol and Drug Use

Unfortunately, it’s one of the worst ways to deal with your issues, and you’ll end up struggling with alcoholism as well. Is it because you’re overdoing it, or does it merely violate your religious or personal morals? Feeling bad about the occasional drink doesn’t mean you’re an alcoholic.

Your friend or loved one may also vow to cut back on their own. Your healthcare provider can help you evaluate the pros and cons of each. Overall, gather as much information as you can about the program or provider before making a decision on treatment. If you know someone who has first-hand knowledge of the program, it may help to ask about his or her personal experience. Professionals in the alcohol treatment field offer advice on what to consider when choosing a treatment program. Ideally, health professionals would be able to identify which AUD treatment is most effective for each person.

How to talk to someone about their drinking

If they drink, ask them to support your recovery by not doing so in front of you. When approaching someone with AUD or a drinking problem, it is important to do research and approach https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-intervention-how-to-do-an-intervention-for-an-alcoholic/ them calmly at an appropriate time and place. If this conversation does not work, it may be necessary to stage an intervention with the support of a professional or others.

Alateen is a similar support group specifically for teens who have a family member abusing alcohol. Recovery from alcoholism or a drinking problem can be a bumpy road. About half the people who complete alcohol abuse treatment for the first time stay alcohol-free, while the other half relapse and return to drinking support for those who struggling with alcohol addiction at some point. It’s common for people to require treatment more than once to finally achieve sobriety. That means you’ll need plenty of patience when supporting your loved one’s recovery. Attending a 12-step program or other support group is one of the most common treatment options for alcohol abuse and addiction.

Recovery from addiction is possible

However, if you notice that your alcohol consumption is regular and excessive, then this is a severe warning sign. The fact that this question has crossed your mind may be scary, but it’s a good sign. Or, you are concerned that you may be spending your days struggling with alcoholism. If you or someone you love has an alcohol abuse problem, it’s important to get help. There are many organizations that offer information and support. Tell your loved one that you’re worried they’re drinking too much, and let them know you want to be supportive.

• Addictions also affect several neurotransmitter pathways (e.g., dopamine, serotonin), and the changes can result in inability to stop the drug use, even when life is affected negatively.
• They may be able to provide guidance on the best ways to approach someone with AUD.
• Don’t expect your loved one to overcome a drinking problem alone.
• If they drink, ask them to support your recovery by not doing so in front of you.
• But since alcohol’s effects vary so much from one person to another, it’s not always easy to tell when a loved one’s alcohol intake has crossed the line from responsible, social drinking to alcohol abuse.

Just as some people with diabetes or asthma may have flare-ups of their disease, a relapse to drinking can be seen as a temporary setback to full recovery and not a complete failure. Seeking professional help can prevent relapse—behavioral therapies can help people develop skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress, that might lead to drinking. Most people benefit from regular checkups with a treatment provider.