How to Support a Recovering Alcoholic: Some Simple Steps
Alcohol can be a tidal wave. Three million people die due to the harmful use of alcohol every year all over the world.
Yet alcohol is a wave that people can escape. A recovering alcoholic can take immediate steps to eliminate their dependency. Family members and friends can join with them to take those steps.
But what do people need to know about alcohol use disorder? What resources should family members and friends provide? What are some ways to keep sobriety lighthearted?
Answer these questions and you can support a recovering alcoholic without taxing yourself. Here is your quick guide.
Inform Yourself About Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder is a chronic medical condition. An addiction to alcohol can change an individual's brain, causing them to become physically dependent on drinking. Recovery takes years, and someone's brain may not go back to the way it used to be.
Anyone who wants to support a recovering alcoholic needs to inform themselves about alcohol addiction. They should get educational resources from AA and the federal government about addiction.
In particular, a person should inform themselves about the warning signs of a relapse. If they notice those signs in a loved one, they should intervene right away.
Remain Open to Conversations
People who are recovering go through a lot of emotions. They may feel guilty about the actions they did while they were drunk. They may feel bored or restless without drinking to occupy their time.
Family members and friends should be open to having conversations with recovering alcoholics. The conversations may become personal and emotional. But people should be there as a resource so the recovering person does not relapse.
At the same time, people supporting the recovering person need support. They can go to a mental health professional or to their own friends.
Make Sobriety Enjoyable
A recovering alcoholic should celebrate the anniversaries of their sobriety. Their friends can give them gifts like AA coins or AA tokens. Jewelry, bookmarks, and other gifts are also available.
A family member can throw the person a party. Playing music and serving food is enough to create a festive and alcohol-free atmosphere. Cooking meals together is a great bonding experience in itself.
At a minimum, friends should take the recovering person away from the areas where they used to drink. They can go on day trips and vacations to new locations. This removes triggers in an uplifting and fun way.
Provide Support for a Recovering Alcoholic
Someone can support a recovering alcoholic once they have the facts. They should study alcohol use disorder and become familiar with the signs of relapse.
One of the best things a person can do is talk to the recovering individual. Conversations may become explicit or difficult, so the person should seek help for themselves when they need it.
Making sobriety fun helps everyone. Sobriety gifts help track a person's progress and reward them for their good behavior.
You can get great gifts that don't get expensive. The Sobriety Shop provides beautiful AA tokens. Browse our products today.