How to Encourage an Alcoholic to Seek Treatment

Alcoholism is a destructive addiction that affects not only the alcoholic, but also family, friends and associates. Alcoholics come from every background, and the only indication that one person is more likely to become an alcoholic than another is if they had a parent with alcoholism. According to the National Institutes of Health, only 15 percent of alcoholics seek treatment, but those who do seek outside help are more likely to succeed in beating the addiction.

Instructions

• 1

  Become educated on the treatment programs available. Local social services departments, hospitals, mental health centers or a family doctor can direct a person to local alcoholic treatment centers.

• 2

  Bring the subject of treatment up in a nonthreatening way. Sometimes simple honesty about how alcohol has affected the alcoholic and the people around them may be enough to get them to seek treatment. This may not always work, but honest communication is a good start.

• 3

  Avoid guilt and judgment. Approach the person with empathy and support. Avoid phrases like "if you cared for me/us you would quit." This will only make an individual feel pressured and may trigger anger or depression.

• 4

  Don't bargain or threaten. Bargaining with an alcoholic gives them control at a time when they often aren't in control of themselves let alone a situation. Threatening an alcoholic backs them into a corner and triggers an escape reaction.

• 5

  Be supportive of and positive with the person, not their addiction. When an alcoholic accepts that they have a problem, it's easy for individuals who care about them to feel sympathetic. But letting an alcoholic believe that their actions are remotely acceptable won't help them seek treatment. Be firm in communication with an alcoholic.

• 6

  Stop covering their tracks. Embarrassment, guilt and concern for an individual are some of the reasons people cover the tracks of an alcoholic or rescue them from bad situations. Alcoholics must face the consequences of their actions, and constantly covering up a mess will only enable the alcoholic. Allowing them to be responsible for their choices often brings them a step closer to seeking treatment.

• 7

  Get outside help. When friends and family members have a hard time being objective, or when the alcoholic is unresponsive to talking about the problem or seeking help, it is advisable to get help from alcoholism or addiction professionals. Alcoholics Anonymous is a well-known treatment option, and Al-Anon provides help for individuals affected by an alcoholic in their life.