Alcohol addiction is more than just one too many drinks. It happens when a person’s life increasingly revolves around the use of alcohol. If your loved one is struggling with alcohol misuse, it’s critical to take action. The question is, what do you do that’s going to work? How do you get through to them?
It’s not always easy. At Iron Bridge Recovery Center, we know fully that for some families, it can seem like a desperate situation that’s easy to fix. For your loved one, though, it’s never going to be easy. With our alcohol treatment programs in Chester, we can create a plan to help you overcome the challenges you’re facing. Contact us immediately for guidance.
Is an Intervention a Real Thing?
Interventions in real life can be very different from what you see on TV. What’s important in these situations is that someone who genuinely cares about the best interest of the individual presents their concern, solutions, and consequences. If you’re facing worries about your loved one, a simple conversation is typically the best way to start.
Consider these tips for holding a conversation with your loved one about their alcohol addiction and your desire to help them.
Share examples of their destructive behaviors.
Instead of an accusatory tone, tell your loved one you’re worried about what you’re seeing and experiencing. For example, talk about what they are doing that’s hurting you or your family. This may include statements or actions that are worrisome:
- Missing family responsibilities
- Not attending family functions
- Forgetting to handle tasks at home
- Making statements that are unfair or untrue
- Pulling away from family
Provide very clear information about what they are doing and how it is impacting you. Focus fully on first-hand experiences and how they directly impacted you. This makes it clear that their actions are impacting you. That makes it harder for them to deny what is happening.
Provide clear information about treatment.
Never make a promise or statement that you cannot honor. Always be upfront and honest about what can happen. For example:
- Connect with Iron Bridge now. Let us provide you with insight into whether our program can help your loved one. Then, present us with a treatment program you’ve found for them.
- Offer insight into how you can help them manage the process. If you offer help with responsibilities, make sure you’ll really be there.
- Provide clarity on why you want them to get help. You care, and you mean that.
- Provide a clear treatment plan with steps and goals available. Be sure that you have worked out the logistics, such as who might care for the kids or how they will navigate work responsibilities.
Clearly define what happens when they don’t get help.
Always provide clarity on the consequences of not getting help. Typically, this means that each person involved in the intervention provides clarity on what they will no longer do, such as paying bills or lying for them. Make it fully clear what will happen.
Most importantly, hold true to these statements. It can be very hard to do so, and for many families, this is the hardest step in the process. But it is critical to show your loved one how serious you are about getting help.
Break Through the Myths
A person’s brain changes as a result of alcohol addiction. When that happens, it is very hard for them to make the decision to get help. They may even feel as if it is impossible. It’s up to you to break through the most common myths and excuses they have for getting treatment. Here are some of the most common limiting beliefs:
- They can’t get away from responsibilities. Show them that they can. Talk to them about tools like the Family and Medical Leave Act that could protect their job. Make it clear you’ll help them (if you can) with other responsibilities.
- They don’t have an addiction. Show them the signs of addiction. Make it clear what you are seeing that supports the belief that they are facing alcohol addiction.
- Alcohol helps them deal with life. It’s very true that alcohol can be a critical tool for dealing with stress. Yet, that’s not a healthy way to navigate life. Show them that dual diagnosis treatment can help with concerns related to anxiety, depression, and trauma.
In every situation, you cannot force your loved one into treatment. It’s necessary that they commit to getting the care they need and to the process of recovery. However, we can help you help them.
Contact Our Team at Iron Bridge for Guidance
When it comes to overcoming alcohol addiction, Iron Bridge Recovery Center provides you with the tools and resources you need. Set up some time to talk to our team now.
