How to Help Someone With Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction (now known as Alcohol Use Disorder or AUD) is a widespread issue among Americans that can have disastrous effects and even be life-threatening for some. While it is up to the individual to treat and manage their AUD, external support and intervention from friends and family members can make all the difference in a recovery journey.

Scroll on to learn all about alcohol dependence including how to identify it, how to help someone with alcohol use disorder (AUD), and treatment options.

Alcohol dependence is a medical condition that occurs when someone cannot control their alcohol consumption and relies on the substance to regularly function.

Anyone can develop alcohol dependence, but it’s important to understand common causes and risk factors associated with the condition.

Risk factors for alcohol addiction can include:

• Family history of alcohol dependence
• Mental health conditions
• Early exposure to alcohol
• Binge drinking
• Drinking too much regularly
• Trauma
• Being in your 20s or 30s

In alcohol dependence, the body and brain rely on the presence of alcohol to carry out regular functions. This is because alcohol causes several chemical changes in the body, particularly increasing and decreasing the effects of certain neurotransmitters. Physical dependence and psychological dependence on alcohol make it difficult to quit and can lead to negative consequences such as withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking.

There are countless signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence that can help identify AUD. Though dependence presents differently in everyone, the following signs can indicate a need for further intervention. If you suspect alcohol misuse or dependence in a loved one, keep the following health problems in mind.

Some of the easier signs of alcohol dependence to observe are physical signs. The effects of alcohol and also the lack of alcohol in an alcohol-dependent person can create many unpleasant physical symptoms.

Physical signs include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Dilated pupils
• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Hallucinations
• Nightmares
• Confusion
• Loss of appetite
• Vision problems
• Insomnia

There are countless other physical alcohol problems people experience like headaches, high body temperature, abnormal heart rate, or high blood pressure, though these can be difficult to observe in someone else.

Alcohol dependence also has many long-term health consequences. Understanding these effects can also help you identify an alcohol dependence.

Long-term health effects include:

• Pancreatitis
• Stroke
• Ulcers
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Heartburn
• Fatty liver disease
• Arrhythmias
• Liver damage
• Cardiomyopathy
• Liver cancer
• Digestive cancers
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Esophagus cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Cirrhosis
• Heart disease
• Weakened immune system
• Gastritis

An individual’s behaviors and behavioral habits can also be impacted by alcohol dependence. Being aware of behavioral effects can be a great way to identify possible alcohol dependence.

Behavioral signs of alcohol addiction include:

• Increased alcohol intake
• Drinking alcohol alone
• Drinking more frequently
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Isolating oneself
• Missing work
• Missing school
• Drunk driving
• Risky behaviors
• Aggression

Alcohol dependence can greatly alter one’s demeanor, so if you suspect a drinking problem in someone you know, keep an eye out for any behaviors you would consider out of character.

Emotional well-being is also affected by alcohol dependence and alcohol misuse. Some of these signs can be a bit harder to identify compared to physical and behavioral symptoms, but they’re still important to understand.

Emotional signs can include:

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Paranoia
• Cravings for alcohol
• Mental preoccupation with alcohol
• Planning one’s day around drinking

Alcohol dependence can also create legal and financial issues for many individuals. This is because alcohol can lower inhibitions and impair decision-making abilities.

Legal issues related to alcohol dependence can include:

• Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI)
• Getting arrested for public urination
• Getting arrested for indecent exposure
• Custody issues

Financial issues related to alcohol dependence can include:

• Difficulty managing expenses
• Spending too much money on alcohol
• Missing important payments or skipping bills
• Accruing debt

Suppose your loved one has experienced any of these issues. In that case, it may be helpful to address these consequences directly when holding an intervention to provide concrete evidence of their alcohol dependence.

When it comes to alcohol dependence, the earlier you can intervene the better. A less severe alcohol dependence can be easier to treat, though it is still a serious matter and should not be taken lightly.

The sooner AUD is identified and diagnosed, the sooner someone can access treatment and start the road to recovery.

Additionally, early intervention can prevent the development of long-term or permanent consequences from alcohol dependence. It can also decrease the risk of serious threats such as alcohol overdose or death.

Approaching someone about AUD can be difficult and intimidating, but it’s important to remember why you’re doing so. Keep in mind that you’re concerned for this person’s health, well-being, and livelihood. There are several tactics you might use when approaching someone about their alcohol dependence, which we will cover later on.

Often the hardest part of intervention is starting the conversation. In general, try to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment when approaching someone about alcohol dependence. Here are some tips for getting started.

1. Go in with a plan. Don’t start the conversation without taking time to figure out what you’d like to say and picking a time and place to do so. Having a plan can make the conversation go more smoothly.
2. Be supportive. Try to keep a positive outlook during the conversation and avoid being judgmental. Remind the individual of the benefits of treatment, the support you can provide, and that you want the best for them.
3. Help them devise a plan. Work together with your loved one to put together a plan going forward. Whether that’s seeking treatment, making habit changes, or seeking a diagnosis, lending a hand in creating a recovery plan can make all the difference.

Keep in mind you don’t have to do this alone either. Many people choose to hold interventions with a group of friends and family members to share the responsibility.

Once you’ve started a conversation about alcohol dependence, you may want to encourage your loved one to seek treatment and help from a healthcare professional.

A great way to do this is by telling the individual the benefits of treatment and professional intervention.

A few benefits you can mention include:

• Improved physical health
• Improved mental health
• Improved overall well-being
• Improved relationships
• Improved financial health
• Improved performance at work/school
• New friendships/support systems
• New healthy habits or hobbies
• Decreased risk of alcohol overdose
• Decreased risk of death from alcohol

It’s also important to be familiar with treatment options when you hold an intervention. Being able to list treatment options can make recovery more tangible and make the individual feel like they have a choice in their recovery journey.

Treatment options include:

• Inpatient substance dependence rehab/treatment programs
• Outpatient substance dependence rehab/treatment programs
• Detoxification or detox services
• Behavioral therapy
• Alternative therapies
• Counseling
• Group counseling
• Family counseling
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)

Before treatment options, you may suggest something as simple as talking to a doctor. Having a health professional evaluate the individual for addiction can affirm for the individual that their addiction is serious and requires medical assistance.

While intervention is an immensely important part of recovery, it’s essential to provide ongoing support throughout the individual’s AUD recovery journey.

While someone is in treatment, it can be helpful to offer emotional support as needed and even practical support. For example, if they are in inpatient treatment, make an effort to visit them or bring them things they may need throughout their treatment.

Another outlet of support you may encourage your loved one to pursue is support groups or other community resources. While having support from friends and family is vital, it can be helpful to have support from peers or individuals who have dealt with similar struggles.

There are countless support group options for alcohol addiction, perhaps the most infamous being Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Joining a support group can remind the individual that they are not alone, provide an additional sense of accountability, and encourage new friendships.

Unfortunately, AUD recovery is not a linear process, and for many, that means relapse is part of the journey.

Even after treatment, some people will relapse and fall back into habits that foster substance dependence. This can occur for many reasons including triggers, external pressures, and mental obstacles. That being said, it’s important to understand that relapse is part of recovery.

If your loved one relapses during recovery, make sure to continue providing support. Avoid being judgmental or placing the blame on them for relapsing and, instead, remind them that you are here for them and they are not alone. Try to encourage them to seek treatment using the same tactics outlined above. Make sure to emphasize the positive impacts of treatment and let them know that you care for them.

Now that we’ve addressed how to help the individual with alcohol dependence, it’s essential to address how you can take care of yourself during this difficult time. It is easy to forget the mental and emotional toll this process can take on caregivers as well.

On top of worrying about your loved one, you may push aside your own needs while encouraging the individual to seek help. That being said, it’s important to take a step back every once in a while and prioritize your needs. One way to do this is by practicing self-care.

This can look different for everyone, but some ideas include meditation, yoga, going on a hike, or doing something you love.

There are also great resources and support for caregivers of an individual with an AUD.

Here are a few caregiver resources:

• NIAAA – Caretaker Support Resources
• Al-Anon Family Groups
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Resources for Families Coping with Mental and Substance Use Disorders
• Family therapy through an alcohol treatment facility or independent practitioner

Many Americans know someone who has dealt with or is currently dealing with AUD. It can be hazardous to every area of an individual’s life without intervention. Luckily, with support and early intervention, AUD can be effectively treated and managed.

Need more advice on helping your loved one with their Alcohol Use Disorder? Call our helpline today for additional guidance.