What is the best way to help a friend or relative who is an alcoholic?

Alcoholism is the most common disease people suffer from these days. It is a broad term for any drinking of alcohol that results in mental or physical health problems. There is a huge difference in casual drinking, alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Our society makes it very hard to look out for people who struggle with the use of alcohol because it is such an easy way to interact with others.

Many people would not consider themselves as an alcoholic even though they for sure have an alcohol use disorder. First step to help people with an alcohol use disorder is to make them recognize that their consumption of alcohol is not normal nor acceptable. Here are some warning signs of alcoholism: Drinking alone and in secrecy, Losing interest in other activities you once enjoyed, Alcohol cravings, Making drinking a priority over responsibilities, Extreme mood swings and irritability, Feelings of guilt associated with drinking, Having a drink first thing in the morning, Continuing to drink despite health, financial and family problems, Inability to stop or control the amount of alcohol consumed.

Furthermore it is important people understand what the causes of the use of alcohol are. Alcohol affects all parts of the body, but it particularly affects the brain, heart, liver, pancreas and immune system. Drinking causes aging, heart attacks and dementia. Living a healthy and long life should be a good enough reason to change or even stop ones drinking consumption.

Once they have realized that they have a problem with the use of alcohol we can offer to help them. It is best to point out things they used to enjoy and be good at and now do not do anymore. Making sure they have joy in life. Curing alcoholism is the easiest for them if they do things that give them joy instead of reaching to a bottle of beer.

I do know some people who grew so much since they do not drink anymore. Even though it must be hard for them to say no to a glass of wine when they are with a crowd of people who enjoy a couple of glasses together. They know their worth and what alcohol once did to them. They rather enjoy the outdoors on the next day than to stay home hangover. I look up to them in many ways, I even sometimes feel that I had to be an alcoholic to be able to live life to the fullest after I cured.

One very important thing to keep in mind is that people either have to accept your help or not. You cannot force someone to be happy and live a better life. Do not get frustrated with yourself if they do not let you help them. You already did everything you could. Now it is on them to either change their life to be a better version of themselves or keep on living on the edge of life.