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Helping a Loved One with Alcohol Addiction

couple seated on couch clutching each other's hands in an behavioral health office learning that helping a loved one with alcohol addiction requires professional assistance.

It is difficult to watch someone you care about struggle with a substance use disorder, like an addiction to alcohol. They are probably embarrassed or in denial; even though they are not communicating it, they want and need help. Getting your loved one to admit they have a problem is the first step before you can guide them in getting treatment for their addiction. If you are unsure how to broach the conversation or where to look for alcohol addiction treatment, The Arbor can answer your questions. Give us a call today at 844.413.2690 to help get someone on the road to recovery.

How to Help Someone with Alcohol Addiction

Knowing how to help someone who is struggling with addiction is not easy. An intervention may be needed that is led by a therapeutic professional. The goal of the intervention would be to have the affected individual agree to get treatment. As you approach this conversation with your loved one, there is a bit of a format that can help be a guide for you. This includes:

  • Being as honest as possible as you share your observations
  • Spending time doing research and having as much information about addiction and treatment as you can
  • Do not pass judgment; stick to the facts
  • Being prepared for pushback
  • Listen, listen, listen
  • Remembering that this conversation may not produce the result you hoped for
  • Persistence in checking in again if the conversation did not go well

If you lead with love, empathy, and grace—even if the outcome is not what you planned—you are doing the best you can for your loved one. Having the aid of a third party—like a doctor or therapist—can help lighten the burden on you as well.

What Does Alcohol Addiction Help Look Like?

Most addiction treatment centers—including The Arbor—approach treatment holistically, offering several different treatment options.

Treatment for alcohol addiction can include:

  • Residential treatment for severe addictions
  • Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
  • Relapse prevention
  • Family program
  • Alumni program
  • Dual diagnosis for co-occurring mental health disorders
  • Sober living (extended care)

A variety of therapies can be used to craft a very custom treatment program that meets each person’s individual needs. Therapies can include:

  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Yoga therapy
  • Music therapy
  • Equine therapy

In addition to behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and motivational interviewing (MI) are also commonly used in treating alcohol addiction.

Experiential therapies have also proven highly effective when it comes to addiction, which is why The Arbor offers things like yoga, art, and plenty of outdoor activities like disc golf, fishing, swimming, basketball, and equine therapy. Family support will also continue to be an integral part of the equation. Each client is encouraged to invite trusted family to participate in family therapy sessions and lean on family as part of a sober support network as they navigate recovery.

Contact The Arbor Today for Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol consumption is a large part of American culture. Unfortunately, addiction to alcohol is also a large part of the culture. This is why the need for alcohol addiction treatment is so high. The good news is that there are options for you to get help—for yourself or someone you care about—where and when you need it.

Alcohol addiction treatment at The Arbor will include ridding the body of the substance—for good—and employing a customized combination of therapies that work for the person’s unique needs. Sobriety is the goal, no matter what treatment program you choose. Contact The Arbor today at 844.413.2690 or reach out online for guidance on treatment options.