When you see your friend or family member suffering from alcohol addiction, it can make you feel very sad and helpless. You see their potential and know how much better their life could be if they would only kick the alcohol habit. So how can you encourage your loved one to enter alcoholism rehab treatment?

Do not Judge

A loving approach is the only one that will even remotely encourage your loved one to consider alcoholism rehab treatment. If you judge, blame, criticize, act self-righteous or lay guilt trips, it will only make them more resistant to the idea and more hostile toward you.

Be Honest

On the other hand, when you are talking with the alcoholic, you don’t want to sugar-coat things. Choose a time, preferably when they are sober or close to it, and honestly discuss your concerns and why you have them. Avoid using “you” language and instead use “I” language. For instance, you might say, “This is what I see. This is what I fear…”

Discuss your Experiences

Perhaps you or a friend have experienced alcoholism rehab treatment, and you can share those experiences during your discussion with the alcoholic. At all times, make it clear that your only concern is their well-being, and avoid saying anything that may indicate you are inconvenienced or embarrassed by the alcoholic.

Do not Enable

This is often the hardest aspect of helping an alcoholic. It is tough to discern the difference between the appropriate amount of help and full-on enabling. Though it may seem cruel, “tough love” is sometimes needed to break through the alcoholic’s hardened exterior. This may include things like refusing to give them money or drink alcohol with them, or perhaps even refusing to allow them to live in your home.

Dealing with an alcoholic is all about boundaries. Above all, you must protect yourself and your emotions because the only thing under your control is how you allow the alcoholic’s lifestyle to affect you. Determine what is unacceptable behavior and how you will react, and then stick by your decision.  If this does not help then alcoholism rehab treatment is the next step and our expert rehab advisors are available to help you find the best rehab available.