Being related to an alcoholic is a stressful situation. The condition puts strain on your relationship,as well as your personal life. While it can be a difficult issue, there are five things you should keep in mind that might help you deal with the sensitive topic.
1 Alcoholism Is an Addiction
The first thing you must always keep in mind is that alcoholism is an addiction. The alcoholic in your family cannot help it. It isn't something that he can choose to stop doing without help. While you may not understand the science behind the addiction or the reason why your family member can't stop drinking, you must keep in mind that your loved one will need medical help just like he would if he had any other sickness.
2 Don't Be an Enabler
While you do want to help in any way you can, you don't want to become an enabler. You don't have to make beer runs or alcohol purchases for your loved one. Never feel obligated to give them money. You don't have to hang around her when she is drinking, and you can make it clear that it bothers you.
3 Protect Yourself
It may be your loved one who is an alcoholic, but you can ask for help as well. You need to protect yourself, emotionally. It can be hard to watch a loved one suffer from alcoholism or to know what to do about it. There are support groups you can join for family members of alcoholics to help you deal with the issue as well. Find a therapist that you like that can help you manage the situation.
4 Staging the Intervention
When you are ready, you can get help from an interventionist to help you stage an intervention for the alcoholic in your family. The intervention should include all of the alcoholic's family members and friends who might be able to convince him to get help at an alcohol recovery center for the addiction. You should keep in mind that you do have the strength to stage the intervention to possibly save your loved one's life.
5 Don't Take Responsibility for the Addiction
Whether your loved one chooses to receive treatment or not is not up to you. You are not responsible for their sobriety. You can encourage them to make better decisions, but there is nothing you can do to be sober for them. Accept them and their condition, but don't take responsibility for it. Protect yourself from their addiction and distance yourself if necessary. Your life is about you. Don't lose it in their addiction.
Being related to an alcoholic can be difficult, but you can get through it by keeping these tips in mind. Take care of yourself and encourage them to get help, but remember that their sobriety is their responsibility, not yours.