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Regardless of whether the person can function in some aspects of life, alcoholism is a serious disease. High-functioning alcoholics need treatment just like other alcoholics do. Spouses may catch alcoholics drinking in secret or see the emotional side effects of alcoholism. Alcoholic husbands and wives may be emotionally distant or abusive.

Coping Strategies for Wives of Alcoholics

When you call our team, you will speak to a Recovery Advocate who will answer any questions and perform a pre-assessment to determine your eligibility for treatment. If eligible, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If The Recovery Village is not the right fit for you or your loved one, we will help refer you to a facility that is. The scapegoat is the opposite of the hero in a family dynamic. They are the “problem child” who distracts the family from the person with a substance use disorder.

Let the Person Know Their Actions are Affecting the Relationships

Typically, the most successful approach is to show the person you’re concerned for their safety and future. You can also mention the impact their addiction is having on those around them. You can offer support and encouragement, and set boundaries, but ultimately it is their decision if they want to recover.

More information about supporting your alcoholic loved one

Therefore, when sharing a home with an alcoholic, it is vital you take precautions to protect and care for yourself. For more information about navigating such a difficult situation, look to this page to address all of your concerns. Resources for alcohol abuse include motivational books and workbooks that help people in recovery gain a better understanding of the disease they are battling. There is a massive library of such materials, both for addicts seeking recovery and friends or family seeking recovery for a loved one. This article aims to provide these resources, as it takes a close look at the various ways by which one can provide support for an alcoholic such that recovering is a bit easier. Therapy sessions are also beneficial for people in recovery.

The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. It might be hard to hear, but if your loved one isn’t getting better and has no interest in doing so, it might be time to leave. If your partner isn’t putting you first, you need to put yourself first. At some point, you may have to make the decision that you’ve done everything you can.

Seek help from a therapist or a counselor if you feel stressed or depressed. You can also participate in a program that’s designed for the friends and family members of alcoholics, such as Al-Anon. While 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can benefit your loved one, Al-Anon meetings are great resources for you. Like AA, Al-Anon is a mutual-help how to live with an alcoholic group for the loved ones of those who struggle with alcohol misuse. Attending meetings, which are held all over the world, allow you to share your experience with others and find strength and hope from them and their experiences. Additionally, seeking therapy, either as a family, by yourself, or both, can also help you navigate recovery with your loved one.

Living with an Alcoholic: Family Roles, Codependency & How to Help

Calls to our general hotline may be answered by private treatment providers. We may be paid a fee for marketing or advertising by organizations that can assist with treating people with substance use disorders. The stress can get to anyone, but DON’T drink to escape your woes.

• Alcoholism affects everyone in a household — not just the individual who drinks.
• One may not quickly get him or her to accept that there is a problem, let alone work on solving it.
• Rose said alcoholism is a disease that alters an individual’s brain chemistry and pushes a person to behave in ways that harm their families.
• The level of treatment needed depends on the severity of alcohol use and their willingness to participate.
• Please note, this is only a quote of benefits and/or authorization.

Do Understand They’ll Need Outside Help

While cirrhosis scars from excessive drinking are irreversible, quitting alcohol and leading a healthier lifestyle can help your liver heal from alcohol-related liver disease. People can have a varied reaction and tolerance to alcohol and that doesn’t necessarily mean they are alcoholics. However, as functioning alcoholics drink more regularly, they develop a higher tolerance. They still want to feel the buzz or numb out from their problems for a while, so they will begin drinking more as their tolerance to alcohol increases. Functional alcoholics differ from those who struggle with alcoholism, primarily in how alcohol affects their lives. If you’re the loved one of someone in either group, it’s important to know how to deal with an alcoholic effectively if you want to help them get well.