It’s important to understand that alcoholism isn’t just about how much someone drinks—it’s a chronic, progressive disease. What you can do is learn about addiction, explore effective recovery options, and seek the support you need and deserve. For people living with a functioning alcoholic, Al-Anon Family Groups provide support for those affected by someone’s drinking.

Helping An Alcoholic in Denial

As professionals, we know in order to move through the stages of change, there has to be ambivalence, seeing the need for change vs. staying the same. A clinician can use specific evidence-based communication strategies to help someone move from pre-contemplation to the next stage, contemplation. A person in the pre-contemplation stage would have more of a puzzled or aloof response. Someone in the pre-contemplation would be caught off guard and would most likely not realize they have a problem, nor do they believe they have affected anyone. Suggest you work together what is alcoholism to develop goals for reducing their drinking.

Guest Blog: Genetics and Addiction: What We’ve Learned

Before broaching this sensitive topic, arm yourself with knowledge about Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Understanding the physical, mental, and behavioral impacts of alcoholism prepares you for possible reactions and informs your approach. As drinking becomes more important, tasks like work, school, or family may https://www.cerer.com.ec/2022/09/12/relapse-prevention-and-the-five-rules-of-recovery/ start to suffer.

How To Talk to an Alcoholic: A Guide for Loved Ones