Confronting a Loved One About Alcohol Abuse
It can be difficult to know how to confront someone you love who is an alcoholic.
Although alcohol is the third-leading cause of death in America, alcohol consumption is so widely socially acceptable that most drinkers refuse to believe they have a problem.
Unlike drug addiction, there is not much of a stigma in drinking alcohol, so the lines can become blurred.
The first step is to recognize the warning signs of alcohol abuse. Once you are sure, or even if you are simply concerned that someone you love is abusing alcohol, you will need a plan for how to confront them.
Staging an Intervention
The best way to confront someone about their alcohol abuse is to stage an intervention. An intervention is a type of supportive confrontation that serves to help people realize that they need help.
Types of Interventions
Alcoholism affects people from all walks of life. Because each person is different, the way they will respond to an intervention differs too.
Friends and Family
As a group, share your concerns with the individual and explain why you believe they have a drinking problem. Let them know that you want them to get help and are willing to help them find a suitable rehab program.
Professional Interventions for alcoholics
In many cases, getting help from a professional interventionist or treatment provider is the best way to confront someone who is struggling with alcohol abuse.