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Family Help for Alcoholics in Recovery

A recovering alcoholic needs to have a good support system in order to beat his addition. One concept of the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program is that recovery is only possible by asking for help. As a friend or family member of a person with an addiction to alcohol, there are things you can do to help.

  1. Be Supportive but Not Enabling

    • An aftercare program keeps your loved one away from his addiction. On a daily basis, you need to provide encouragement and support the steps to succeed . Check to make sure he is attending meetings and has a sponsor. Also make sure he's eating a healthy diet and exercising.

      Don't cover for him. Taking responsibility is an important step. Let him deal with his problems and point out behavior that is inappropriate, such as missing meetings. The goal is to create a new lifestyle by replacing bad habits with good ones.

    Be Helpful

    • Help her meet her goals. If she needs a ride to a meeting, take her there. Don't let her use transportation as an excuse. Keeping busy is a good way to avoid problems that may lead to drinking. Be around if she needs to talk.

    Don't Accept Excuses

    • Help him find a recovery center, take him there, and make sure he checks in. Don't take any excuses. Help him find a job. Don't give him one, but be supportive by providing resources for him. Make sure he has newspapers for want ads or access to job services. Help him help himself by not accepting excuses.

    Join a Support Group

    • Support groups are available for family members dealing with a recovering alcoholic. You need to find one. The alcoholic's problem cannot become yours and you need support of your own. Al-Anon, Alcoholics Anonymous and Adult Children of Alcoholics have chapters in most areas. If you need to talk, find someone who will listen.

    Catch Him if He Falls

    • Be there for him if he falls off the wagon. Do what it takes to get him back on the road to recovery. Take him to a rehab center. Call his sponsor. If he calls you for help, go pick him up. Be available if he needs help.

    Codependency

    • Codependency is learned behavior. Sometimes you love someone, and you help herecause you do love her. You have to ask yourself if are you are really helping her recover or stay sick. Codependency is itself a type of addiction, which professionals call relationship addiction. You must recognize your own issues and deal with them. You cannot continue supporting the person's behavior with your own.

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