Occasionally it can be difficult to recognise when a loved one has an alcohol addiction. There is a fine line between social/moderate drinking and alcoholism and quite often, discussing the issue is challenging and uncomfortable for all parties involved.
Drinking alcohol to cope with everyday life, or to escape feelings of regret or pain, is a serious issue which can produce dangerous consequences. Alcoholism is more than just binge drinking over the weekend. It is a physically crippling dependence on alcohol which is difficult to recognise. Therefore, it is vital to understand the issue and identify the warning signs of an alcoholic. There are a lot of factors that need to be taken into consideration when understanding alcoholism. Hereditary factors like family history, environmental factors such as social and work life, and mental health factors including clinical depression and anxiety, all play an interconnected role in alcohol addiction. The truth of the matter is that addicts often use alcohol to self-medicate, and the core issues impairing the person have to be resolved to overcome the addiction. Because of the commonality of drinking in plenty of cultures all around the world, coupled with the vastly different effects from person to person, it is tricky to identify when a loved one has an alcohol addiction. The bottom line is this: if a person's drinking is adversely affecting their life, then they have a drinking problem. Here are some warning signs that can help you identify when a loved one has an alcohol addiction: There are usually two types of drinking problems: alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Alcohol Abuse Alcohol abuse is where a person's alcoholic behaviour is self-destructive and harmful, however it is usual for alcohol abusers to be able to put limits on their drinking to avoid detection. Common signs and symptoms are: ●Weak performance at the workplace, home or study ●Dismissing responsibilities ●Relationship issues ●Consuming alcohol in risky situations, for instance, drink-driving and looking after children ●Repeated legal issues ●Unable to unwind or socialise without alcohol It is relevant to note that not all alcohol abusers become alcohol dependent, but this is the first step and a significant risk factor. Alcohol addiction can suddenly develop in response to stress, personal loss or financial issues. Conversely, alcohol addiction can slowly develop as tolerance increases. Alcohol Dependence Alcohol dependence (or alcoholism) includes all of the symptoms of alcohol abuse with an additional ingredient: physical dependence. If you rely upon alcohol just to function and get through the day, then you have alcoholism. If you need a drink in the morning because of you feel sick from withdrawal, then you have alcoholism. Common withdrawal symptoms are: ●Shaky hands or trembling ●Excessive sweating ●Vomiting and nausea ●Depression and anxiety ●Fatigue ●Insomnia ●Irritation ●Loss of appetite ●Seizures Now that you recognise the signs and symptoms of alcohol addition, here are some actions you can take to help a loved one with alcoholism: Step 1 - Stop neglecting the addiction If a loved one is suffering from alcohol addiction, the best thing to do is to be open and truthful with them about the issue. Whilst it may seem tough considering the nature of the problem, simply disregarding the issue or hoping the person will address the issue by themselves is not an effective strategy. Tell your loved one that you're troubled and concerned about their drinking and be prepared for a negative response. It's normal for alcoholics to be in denial and to respond angrily to any suggestion of a drinking problem. Assure them that you clearly wish to help them in a non-judgemental, empathetic and genuine approach. Step 2 - Assemble support Getting the support of family members and friends whom the person trusts will make it a lot easier to offer help. Creating an intervention is an effective approach to communicate to the person that not only do they have a problem, but there is lots of support and encouragement in their recovery process. Consulting with a professional, for example, a doctor or specialist is a good way to get an idea of the best way to approach the person about their addiction. Ask for suggestions and devise a plan, such as the services from an alcohol rehabilitation centre or a therapist, and the fees and period of treatment. Step 3 - Rehearse Think of the most suitable way to speak to your loved one about their addiction. Be sure that you use positive and helpful statements as opposed to negative and upsetting statements. Share with the person how 'you' feel and the importance of the relationship to you. Don't just concentrate on their behaviour and the toll that alcoholism is taking on their life. Remain calm and be prepared for a cynical reaction. Assure them that you're there to help. Step 4 - Intervene when the person is sober and calm For the most productive results, do not approach the person when he or she has been drinking or when they are stressed. A calm, sober environment is extremely important for the person to best comprehend what is being communicated to them, both verbally and emotionally. Make sure that the conversation takes place in a quiet and private setting to avoid any embarrassment or interruptions. Step 5 - Commit to Change It's natural for alcoholics to play down the impacts of their drinking problem. Do not succumb to fabricated promises such as cutting down on their drinking by themselves. Propose a formal treatment program which is one of the most productive way to treat alcoholism. It's important to not allow emotions govern the discussion. Try to achieve firm commitments and follow up on them to demonstrate that you are serious about their recovery. This process is lengthy and enduring, and relapses are frequent. Patience is key; there is no cure for alcoholism and essentially it is up to the person to want to help themselves. Step 6 - Monitor progress Alcohol addiction is a debilitating issue and it's vital that you keep track of your loved one's development for the entire journey. Be encouraging even after treatment has finished. You must be devoted to their long-term recovery. Even if a person has finished treatment does not in any way signify that they're totally recovered. Stay committed. Step 7 - Avoid Codependency Those close to a person with alcoholism can normally become overly concerned for their well-being. This is called codependency and is damaging to recovery. Making sure that you are supportive is important, but becoming their doctor and therapist will do more damage than good. Not only have these experts spent years studying and training, but they are unprejudiced from the beginning and won't allow emotions to get in the way of a proper recovery. Furthermore, codependency can result in other destructive behaviours which are equally detrimental. If required, seek help from a counsellor or support group to address any codependency issues. Start the Road to Recovery today Alcohol dependency is a prevalent illness in today's society. Growing pressures from work, finances and family require attention before they become a serious problem. If you have a loved one that needs assistance, please contact the friendly team at The Banyans on 1300 226 926 for a confidential discussion about their alcohol rehabilitation centre facilities or visit http://www.thebanyans.com.au for more information. Your health is our priority.
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