It is often said that you can’t choose your family, only your friends, but the irony of this saying is that your friends often become close enough to feel like brothers and sisters to you. The special bond you share when you are a friend is one that will endure through anything as you both roll through the rough and the smooth. However, when you notice that someone you care for is developing and struggling with an addiction to alcohol, it can be a highly difficult issue to navigate, as you want to help them yet don’t know how. Being there for a friend as they come to terms and begin recovering from an addiction is one of the most selfless things you can do for someone you love and to help you out, this guide will walk you through some of the practical ways you can make a difference in this person’s life.
Getting them the help they need
Firstly, you need understand how hard it is going to be for this person you love to not only open up to you about their problem but also to their family and professionals who can help them get their lives back. To this end, the best thing you can do to start with is to help this friend find treatment for alcohol addiction that they are comfortable with and can help them in the long run.
- What are the benefits?
Something such as a residential treatment program will help them through all the stages of their recovery, from the initial detox to their outpatient treatment in the future. By helping them make the commitment to an intensive treatment such as this, you will be vastly reducing their chances of a relapse and be helping them build the strength to never turn back to alcohol.
Sticking by their side
Once your friend has got to the end of their residential treatment, you need to look into ways you can help them stay sober now they are back in the world. One of the easiest things you can do is, when you know your friend is returning home, make sure their home is completely free of all alcohol. Be sure to check in every cupboard and even under the bed and sofa as, when leaving treatment and being reintroduced to their home, recovering addicts could have a bout of temptation.
Know what you’re dealing with
Finally, throughout the whole process, you need to be learning about alcoholism. While your friend’s recovery will be unique to them, knowing the basics of what causes the addict, what the symptoms are, and even reading some testimonies about the experiences of other recovering alcoholics will help you to better understand what your friend is going through when they go into the outpatient program.
Being there for a friend who is ready to confront their alcoholism is one of the most meaningful things you can do for them, and your support will increase their chances of staying sober in the future.