Introduction to Helping a Friend Addicted to Alcohol
The physical and psychological effects of being addicted to alcohol tend to prevent those who are addicted from admitting they have a problem. This can result in the inability to get help from an alcohol rehab in Thailand, or elsewhere.
It is not uncommon for people addicted to alcohol to be the last to know they have a problem; meanwhile, their loved ones watch their lives spiral out of control. As an interventionist might explain to you, sometimes friends and family need to step in and offer an addicted loved one support and advice. This might feel worrisome and difficult; however, without confronting him or her, they might not get the help they need.
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The Physical Elements of an Alcohol Addiction
If you are the friend of someone who is addicted to alcohol, it will help you to have a basic understanding of what the condition is and how it affects the individual. While the initial, or early, decisions to drink in excess of the recommended amount are a personal choice, once someone has developed an addiction to alcohol, they lose the choice. Rather, they will crave, and need, alcohol. Without drinking, they can go through very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms – which in some cases can be deadly. Some common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression
- High anxiety
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Headache
- High blood pressure
- Delirium Tremens (in some cases)
Once a person has become dependent on alcohol, they will struggle to quit without getting treatment for an addiction. However, with time and a continuum of drinking, regardless of the consequences, they will develop an addiction to alcohol.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
- The person drinks alone in an effort to hide their consumption of alcohol.
- The person becomes agitated with they cannot access alcohol.
- They struggle with their relationships, career, or have legal problems.
- They have lost interest in the activities they once enjoyed.
- Their drinking has led to consequences and other problems.
The Psychological Elements of an Alcohol Addiction
Although the physical symptoms of an alcohol addiction are troublesome, the psychological elements can be much more difficult to address. The intoxicating effects of alcohol stimulate the area of the brain responsible for feelings of satisfaction and pleasure. This is the same area responsible for emotions, behaviours, impulse control, and memory. The brain is powerful, and when the body orientates itself with alcohol, the neuroconnections in the brain begin to change. Overtime this results in extremely strong cravings and urges to drink regardless of any negative effects that might result. Even when a person gets help for an alcohol addiction, they can face psychological cravings for months, years, or even a lifetime.
Due to the intense physical and psychological symptoms of an alcohol addiction, it is prudent an individual addicted to alcohol gets the right treatment. In general, the best way to address the symptoms, underlying reasons for using, and aftercare treatment will be to go to a rehab for alcohol addiction in Thailand, or another location.
How You Can Help a Friend Addicted to Alcohol
Once you have a base understanding of alcohol addiction, and what may be required to help a person who is suffering from the condition, you can begin to prepare for a healthy dialogue between you and them – with the intention of getting your friend treatment at an alcohol rehab.
Choose the Right Setting and Time
If you are going to talk to your friend about their alcoholism, it is important that you choose an appropriate time and place to do so. This should be done in a location that they feel comfortable in
Know What to Say Ahead of Time
If you are serious about trying to help your friend, you should take time to think about what you will say to them beforehand. You might want to focus on behaviours you have personally seen, as well as, any issues that are specific to the way you feel. It is recommended that you carefully articulate your words and your willingness to get them help. You should avoid using strong words like “always” or “never” when referring to their actions and behaviours. If you don’t know what to say, it may be a good idea to talk with an addiction therapist or interventionist.
Have a Plan
One of the most important parts of your discussion will be to have treatment options ready to go in the event that your friend or loved one wishes to get help. You should have at least one alcohol rehab programme that you can recommend to them, as well as, support groups, and a counselor. You might want to think about anything that could be a hindrance towards getting them treatment. For example, if they have children, pets, or plants, who will take care of them? Can you help with their responsibilities while they are attending an alcohol rehab programme?
If you have questions about what treatment will include, call Siam Rehab.
Do You Need an Intervention?
In general, it will take more than a confrontation to help an alcohol addict. If you have tried to have a personal conversation with your friend about their addiction, but you had no success, you may want to consider an intervention. This will involve you, and other concerned loved ones, as well as, an intervention counselor who will moderate the meeting. An intervention is not guaranteed, but it is a way that can let your friend know that there are people who care.
Help Your Friend Who is Addicted to Alcohol
If you suspect your friend is addicted to alcohol, and you would like to get them help, call Siam Rehab to learn more about our alcohol rehab in Thailand. We are here to help you and your friend or loved one.
