How Do You Help A Friend With A Drinking Problem?
We all know the “one friend.” He or she is the life of the party, always game for a good time. But the friend tends to go too far and ends up sloppy and troubling. Maybe she has gotten a DUI or lost her job. Perhaps he gets mean and is hard to hang out with after a certain number of drinks. Or maybe he disappears, has become unreliable and even very depressed. One thing is certain. You have a loved one who is drinking too much and you’re worried. Very worried. So what do you do? • Arm yourself with the facts. One of the biggest mistakes people make when dealing with loved ones with a drinking problem is thinking that it’s a willpower issue. The American Medical Association has long declared alcoholism a real disease, not just your stupid lazy brother being weak. If you don’t understand the disease, read up on it first, so you are not pre-judging someone’s character when he is really suffering from an illness and could possibly need your help. Al-Anon is a great resource for loved ones
Related Questions
- I have a family member or friend who has a mental illness / a chemical abuse problem, and I am worried about him or her. What help is available in King County?
- How can I help a family member or friend realize they have a substance abuse problem?
- How Do You Help A Friend With A Serious Depression Problem?
