Family / Healthy Living / Lifestyle / Self Care / Wellness

Five top Tips for Supporting Your Friend Through Alcohol Addiction

Five top Tips for Supporting Your Friend Through Alcohol Addiction

We all want to support our friends through the difficult times in their life and there are few bigger challenges they may face in their life than battling addiction.

The rates of alcohol addiction across the UK is soaring at present, with more people seeking help with alcohol detox, addiction treatment and support in recovery. In fact, it’s getting more and more likely we’ll know someone who is going through it.

So, what if you do know someone living with alcohol addiction? How best can you support them?

Educate Yourself About Alcohol Addiction

Naturally, what you first want to do is get a bit of an understanding of what they’re going through. While you will never entirely appreciate that, unless you were struggling with alcohol addiction too, reading up and researching what alcoholism can do to a person is a must.

Look up the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of the condition and what options there are for people living with addiction. From there you’ll be able to provide much more empathy and informed support, as well as being better equipped to recognise the challenges that your friend is facing.

Encourage Open and Honest Communication

The way you’re best going to be able to support your friend is by creating a safe space in which they can talk about what they’re going through. Unfortunately, even today, addiction often is accompanied by a burden of shame and secrecy, so it’s important to do whatever you can to make it “ok” to talk.

Ask about who they’re feeling, what you can do to help, all complete with no judgement. It may take time, and you may have to be patient, but if they can open up and feel like they can express how they’re feeling then that’s a huge step forward.

Avoid Enabling Behaviour

One thing to be really conscious of is enabling behaviour. This can vary from, of course, enabling them to drink and fuelling their addiction to things like making excuses for their behaviour, lending them money, which ultimately could be spent on alcohol, or just outright ignoring their problem.

You want to promote accountability on their side and encourage positive change. You could play a part in helping them set goals, or even set boundaries in order to ensure they take responsibility.

Encourage Professional Help

Recovering from alcohol addiction often requires professional intervention, as it involves addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of dependency. Encourage your friend to seek help from a GP, counsellor, or addiction specialist who can provide tailored advice and treatment options.

In the UK, there are various services that can help, from through the NHS to private rehab centres, as well as support groups from others going through exactly the same thing. Offer to accompany your friend to their first appointment or meeting if they’re feeling nervous or overwhelmed.

Take Care of Yourself

Supporting someone with alcohol addiction can be emotionally draining, and it’s important not to neglect your own well-being. Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, whether that’s exercising, spending time with other friends, or seeking support for yourself.

If you find the situation overwhelming, consider speaking to a therapist or joining a support group for friends and family of those struggling with addiction, such as Al-Anon Family Groups. These resources can help you navigate your feelings and provide guidance on how best to support your friend.

Read more lifestyle articles at ClichéMag.com
Images provided by Deposit Photos, BingAI, Adobe Stock, Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay & Creative Commons

About Author

I'm an interactive digital experience bringing you the latest in fashion, music, entertainment, art and social media & technology. I was created in 2009 in the hopes of making your life more fun by giving you a media consumption experience unparalleled to any other.