Help set the ghosts of alcoholism free
Be there for them when they’re ready
Most comments on this subject go like this: “Be available when the alcoholic reaches out.” “When they hold out their hand for help, grab it.” “Help as many times as you are asked. Be there.”
When I asked an alcoholic why she thinks her husband stayed with her through her drinking days, she responded, “His parents taught him that if you care about someone, you never give up on them. I think he always thought I’d come out of it. He just didn’t know it would take twenty years!” She feels that one of the most important messages for friends and family is to “encourage the problem drinker to try again and again.” One adds, “Be loving but firm, and understand that they may need a number of tries to get and stay sober.”
A number of people recommend encouraging any positive change in the drinker. A partner advises, “Encourage efforts to quit even when they don’t seem to be working. Relapses are learning experiences.” Although one alcoholics husband and son were sceptical of her vow to quit because of her many short-lived attempts, their praise made it all the more difficult for her to go back.
If the person seems somewhat ready to change, you might also help him or her explore recovery alternatives. A husband goes so far as to suggest, “Put scientific literature about alcoholism (not religious or moral tracts) in their way where they just might glance at it or pick it up.
Make sure that they are aware there are alternatives.” A wife says, “Do the research to see what kind of help is available in your area, so that when the person is ready, you will have that information for them.” You might even attend some recovery groups like Al-anon yourself to have a better understanding of the options. Alcoholics Anonymous and others, for instance, welcome friends and family members at their meetings.
- See also;
- A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved
- AA and Treatment Work Better Together
- Alcohol intervention may help.
- Definition of Co-dependency
- Spirituality of recovery
Related Reading:
