Watching a loved one struggle with addiction is never easy, but how can you tell if they need some extra support or professional help? What should you do if they are not ready to stop drinking? How can you help them stay sober? Here are some important things to consider.
1: The Situation Is Getting Worse
Although addiction is a chronic condition, it often gets worse without professional assistance. If your loved one is going through a rough patch but does not want assistance yet, it could just be a difficult period that they’ll recover from with time – but this isn’t always the case. If this rough patch turns into a constant downhill slide, it may be time to consider professional alcohol detoxification. A center like https://www.vsmdetoxaustin.com/ could give them the support they need.
2: They Are Drinking More Than You Think
Many addicts drink in secret or lie about how much they’re consuming, so the signs of problem drinking are not always obvious. If you suspect that they may be drinking too much, even if they are telling the truth, it might be time to have a discussion about treatment options that can lead them to sobriety.
3: They Have Stopped Doing Things That They Enjoy
When someone’s struggling with addiction to alcohol, their life tends to revolve around drinking. They may stop going to social events, hanging out with friends, or participating in activities they used to love. If your loved one has stopped doing things that make them happy, it might be time to intervene.
4: They Are Drinking To Cope With Negative Feelings
Many addicts drink because they believe it’s the only way to deal with negative emotions. If your loved one is using alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or any other problem, they could benefit from professional care. Often, people who have a history of drinking to cope with emotions can have an easier time quitting their addiction once they have some outside support to overcome their emotional struggles.
5: They Are In Denial About The Situation
Many addicts are in denial about their addiction, and they may refuse to accept that they need help. If your loved one is not interested in getting assistance but you think that they might benefit from it, you should sit them down and try to have a calm conversation with them. Remind them that you love them and that you’re there to support them. Tell them about the risks of problem drinking, and explain why they might need help quitting alcohol.
6: You Are Concerned For Their Safety
If you’re concerned about your loved one’s safety, it’s time to take action. If they are drinking and driving, operating heavy machinery, or behaving in a way that could be harmful to themselves or others, it’s time to get them some help. The consequences of not doing so could be dire, so it’s important to push for help even if they’re reluctant to do so at first.
7: They Have Asked For Help
If your loved one has expressed a desire to get help for their addiction, it’s time to take them seriously. This shows they’re ready to make a change and they want to get better. A good alcohol detox center can provide the support they need to start on the road to recovery, and if they’re already willing to go, they have the best chance of success – especially when combined with your support.
Final Words
Realizing your loved one actually has a problem is only the first step in their recovery process. One of the most important questions you should be asking is; what are the rules of rehab. Making sure your loved one can comply with these rules will save you from a lot of headaches.
