Think of a sandy beach, or a fond memory, such as your child’s first steps or time spent with friends. There are healthier ways to keep your stress level in check. You can learn to manage your problems without falling back on your addiction. When you’re confident in your ability to quickly de-stress, facing strong feelings isn’t as intimidating or overwhelming. Whatever treatment approach you choose, having positive influences and a solid support system is essential. The more people you can turn to for encouragement, guidance, and a listening ear, the better your chances for recovery.

12 step programs are a widely accepted form of addiction treatment. They can be long-term post-treatment support after detox and rehab or the primary treatment. Either way, they’re an important and readily available resource. While setting boundaries won’t cure your loved one of their drug addiction or guarantee they seek help, neither will spending money.

NA and Other Peer Support Groups for Drug Addiction

Encourage the person to find healthier ways of coping with life’s problems and rebounding from setbacks without leaning on alcohol. While you can’t shelter your loved one from situations where alcohol is present, you can avoid drinking with or around the person. When you spend time together, try to suggest activities that don’t involve alcohol. Residential treatment or “rehab” facilities provide intensive treatment for alcohol abuse or addiction. Your loved one resides at a special facility for 30 to 90 days and receives treatments such as detox, therapy, and medication.

Sometimes, the person trying to help someone with addiction may have issues themselves or need support. A person may have a friend or family member with addiction and wonder how to help them. Research shows that most people who have alcohol problems are able to reduce their drinking or quit entirely. Overcoming alcohol use disorder is an ongoing process, one which can include setbacks. This is not an uncommon concern, but the short answer is “no.” All medications approved for treating alcohol dependence are non-addictive. These medicines are designed to help manage a chronic disease, just as someone might take drugs to keep their asthma or diabetes in check.

Step 2. Practice what you’re going to say

Blood alcohol content or blood alcohol concentration is a means to measure the amount of alcohol present in a person’s bloodstream. SAMHSA has a free treatment finder and other tools for those looking for help with their addiction. American Society of Addiction Medicine is a membership organization for education and advocacy of addiction. MedlinePlus is trusted health information provided by the U.S.

Try seeking help from a sports coach, family doctor, therapist, or counselor. Expose your teen to healthy hobbies and activities, such as team sports, Scouts, and after-school clubs to discourage alcohol use. There are many support groups available to individuals trying to recover from an addiction. An AA chip or Sobriety support for those who struggling with alcohol addiction Token is a coin commemorating the length of time a person has remained sober. Attendees are also invited to pick up “A Desire to Stop Drinking Chip.” The chip symbolizes the commitment to remain sober for 24 hours. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are informal gatherings attended by people from all walks of life.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Treatment

Sometimes family members and friends may want to be active participants in your recovery process, but are unsure what to do. In this case, you can invite them to a support group meeting or schedule a family counseling session. This will help you rebuild your relationship with them and give them ideas on how to support you during your transition from rehab to daily life. As much as you love the person with the drinking problem and as upsetting as it can be to watch them struggle with their addiction, there’s only so much you can do. You can’t monitor their behavior around the clock, make all their decisions for them, or allow their problems to take over your life. You are not your loved one’s therapist or AA mentor, so don’t try to take on those responsibilities.