Because initiating any conversation about alcohol or substance abuse with a family member can be highly sensitive, make sure you get your facts straight. First, try gently sharing your concerns with other family members, especially those who may also be worried about your relative’s alcohol abuse. Ask whether or not they may also have noticed your family member demonstrating some of the warning signs of alcoholism, including:

 

·        Avoidance of family and social activities

·        Failure to fulfill work or family responsibilities

·        An inability to go even a single day without consuming an alcoholic beverage

·        Consistently drinking to the point of intoxication, drinking more than intended, or drinking more than is necessary

·        Making excuses for consuming alcohol when others are not drinking, or making excuses for consuming more alcohol than others at the same occasion

·        Placing self or others in physical danger because of alcohol consumption

·        Planning activities, meals, or events around alcohol or the ability to obtain alcohol

 

If your family member has been exhibiting any of these behaviors or, quite simply, if her alcohol consumption is clearly interfering with regular social and family functions, it is time to take steps toward getting your relative the help she needs.

 

If you think one of your family members is an alcoholic, focus on first things first. If you haven’t already initiated a conversation about your relative’s alcohol abuse with his immediate family members, this needs to be your next step.

 

Initiate the conversation in a neutral location and share your concerns in an open and caring manner. Even though you are not confronting the family member directly, his immediate family members may feel accused, embarrassed, ashamed, or even that they have failed in some way. If you think this may be the case, consider reaching out to a professional counselor for guidance on the best way to initiate this conversation in a constructive and non-confrontational manner. After all, the number-one priority is to get your relative the support and treatment he needs to successfully handle his alcohol addiction.

 

Once you have shared your concerns with your family member’s spouse, children, or other immediate relative, it is time to address the same concerns with the family member in question. The most straightforward option is to share your concerns directly with the relative, letting her know that you are there for her and that you are prepared to support her in getting the help she needs.

 

But if you think his drinking has already spiraled out of control, you and other family members may decide that an intervention is the best way to get him to recognize the problem and start on the path to recovery. Because interventions require careful staging and can be highly emotional, it’s a good idea to seek the help of a professional counselor who can facilitate the meeting.

 

Regardless of whether you decide to address your relative’s alcoholism directly or through an intervention, you need to reach out for professional help, guidance, and support sooner rather than later. Your local community should have a variety of resources available for alcoholism recovery and treatment, and to help support family members of alcoholics. In addition to turning to alcoholism support groups, look for treatment programs and alcoholism recovery centers that are equipped to provide both physical and emotional support for your family member.

 

Helping an alcoholic through the recovery process can be a physically and emotionally demanding process for family members. One of the most helpful things you can do for your relative and for yourself is to stay positive. Remember, alcoholism can be successfully addressed – and with the right resources and treatment, your relative can enjoy a healthy recovery.