Alcoholism is a heartbreaking problem that affects many families in the United States. In fact, research indicates that the number of deaths attributed to alcohol is higher than that of even opioid addiction. From 2007 to 2017, deaths from alcohol rose 35 percent while the overall death rate only rose 24 percent. Deaths among women increased 85 percent, which indicates women are battling the risk of death by alcohol more so than ever. When someone you love is in this situation, you may wonder how to help an alcoholic.
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Helping an Alcoholic
Taking steps to intervene on behalf of a family member who is slipping away due to alcohol use disorder is extremely critical. Here are 3 ways a family therapy program can make a difference in a loved one’s life if alcohol is dragging him or her down.
1. Stage an Intervention
This is one of the first steps to consider for your loved one. Many rehab facilities have intervention services. This involves you and the intervention specialist meeting together with the affected family member to discuss rehab options. Of course, encouraging your loved one to attend the initial meeting is your part in the process. Once the person is in the intervention meeting, the professional strategist knows how to help the person. They explain to them how their actions are spiraling downward and that rehab is the best and only option.
2. Attend Therapy with Your Loved One
If you want to know how to help an alcoholic family member, then be willing to participate in a family therapy program with them. During rehab, the person addicted to alcohol will go through many different addiction therapy services. Family therapy will be one of these sessions, but that’s only if family members participate. It’s vital that the person know his or her family is invested in the healing journey with them. This also provides an opportunity to mend relationship fractures that may have arisen due to the alcoholism.
3. Provide Ongoing Support
Realize that alcohol use disorder is an ongoing, chronic problem. Even after people complete rehab, they will be in recovery throughout their life. Therefore, they need continuing support and services. The amount of services they need depends on the person’s unique situation. Some people may thrive with minimal support, while others need to stay connected with alcohol recovery support groups, counseling, and so on throughout their lives. Be a willing participant to support the efforts of your loved ones.
Learn How to Help an Alcoholic
At Northern Illinois Recovery, our compassionate staff is ready to help your loved one take the first step on the journey to healing. Our comprehensive treatment program provides your loved one with intervention, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. Some of our programs include:
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Outpatient program
- Sober living program
Don’t wait until alcohol destroys your family’s life. Now that you know how to help an alcoholic, take steps to bring healing to your family. Contact us at 855.786.1978, and we’ll help you get your family on the right track today.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
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