Alcoholism is a serious disease that not only affects the drinker, but also the friends and family around him. Alcoholism may be present in anyone who regularly drinks more than they want, those who are injuring their health with drink, and those who cannot perform regular responsibilities due to alcohol. Knowing when and how to step in for someone you know is an alcoholic can mean all the difference in their health.

The Challenge

Confront your loved one with an open understanding that she may react with anger or denial. You do not have to wait for your loved one to get to a low before offering your help, but it is important to know that many alcoholics do not view their drinking as a problem unless they have sunk to the bottom. Confront her about all her 'coverups', the lies she uses to enable her drinking habit. Keep a mental catalog of the lies told, and calmly deny these lies when they are told. An alcoholic must confront her problem by realizing lies are just lies. Choose the right time to confront your loved one about her problem. The best time to choose is a period shortly after an alcohol-related problem has occurred. Find a time when your loved one is sober, or is as sober as she gets, and when both you and the other person are calm and in a good mood. Never bring it up during an argument.

Ultimatums

Use examples as reasons for confronting your loved one. Tell the alcoholic the ways in which he has hurt you with his drinking and why it must change. It is important to tell the drinker what will happen if he does not seek help. Bring up health issues but also state what you will do if he does not change his habits, such as refusing to go to social events with him, or leaving the house, or refusing to be his friend any longer.

Support

Collect information on treatment options for alcoholics before your intervention. Find clinics that treat alcoholics, or find Alcoholic Anonymous meetings in your area they can go to. If you believe it will help, offer to go to the first few meetings with them, but know your limits on how far you are willing to go to help. If you need it, call on other friends or the alcoholic's family for further assistance.

Source:

Help Guide: Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse

Sober Recovery: Friend Family Alcoholic

NIAAA: FAQS for the General Public

More Information:

Alcoholics Anonymous