The goal of FA is to allow loved ones to gather and share experiences, which is believed to be cathartic. Groups provide support and guidance and a chance to speak to people with whom you share a common challenge. Al-Anon/Alateen are focused entirely on challenges with alcohol. All meetings begin with a short prayer (usually a shortened version of The Serenity Prayer). Then in most cases, the chairperson welcomes attendees, and the 12 steps of AA and other AA doctrines are read. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.

There are a variety of SOS meetings that take place in cities across the United States, as well as online groups. In addition to helping recovering alcoholics, there are SOS groups that support those overcoming drug abuse and compulsive eating disorders. SMART Recovery™ is a support group for people suffering from varying types of addiction. Members can participate in face-to-face meetings worldwide and access digital resources such as a 24/7 chat room, message board and daily online meetings. The organization’s 4-Point Program empowers you to overcome alcoholism, teaches you how to maintain sobriety and gives you the tools for a balanced life.

Video: Can We Talk?

Not everybody requires medically supervised detox or an extended stint in rehab. The care you need depends on a variety of factors, including your age, drug-use history, medical or psychiatric conditions. In addition to doctors and psychologists, many clergy members, social workers, and counselors offer addiction treatment services. Three medications are currently approved in the United States to help people stop or reduce their drinking and prevent relapse. They are prescribed by a primary care physician or other health professional and may be used alone or in combination with counseling.

• If your previous social life revolved around drugs, you may need to make some new connections.
• If you relapse after completing 90 days of treatment within an AAC program, they can return for 30 days of complimentary treatment.
• One such organization is the Harm Reduction Therapy Center, which primarily serves people experiencing homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• If you’re exploring how to help an alcoholic stop drinking, the following methods may help bring light to your loved one’s drinking or drug problem.
• If addiction has led to a medically or mentally-dangerous situation (such as suicide attempts), call 911 immediately.

It’s important you maintain a balance in your life to avoid burnout from all the stress and frustration that comes from helping someone get clean. If you or your loved one are struggling with an alcohol use disorder (AUD), help is available. When you’re working to overcome a drinking problem or maintain your sobriety, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. There are resources across the country that are designed specifically for individuals and loved ones impacted by the harmful effects of alcohol.

Identifying Relapse Triggers

Discovering someone you love has a drug problem can generate feelings of shock, fear, and anger, especially if it’s your child or teen who’s using. These strong emotions can make communicating with a drug user even more challenging. So, it’s important to choose a time when you’re both calm, sober, and free of distractions to talk. Your loved one may be more secretive and lie about what they’re doing, where they’re going, or how much they’re using. They may be quick to anger or lash out, especially if you try to talk to them about their drug use.

It is our hope that with increased awareness, more and more people will get help with their alcohol problems. This site has a helpline, a share center and a place to share and learn from others what works for them with their mental health. Daytona State College offers individual counseling for addiction issues and community resources. Genetics plays a role in AUD, making up about half of risk factors.

Step 4: Approach and listen with honesty and compassion

If you are seeking professional help, the organization also has a directory of therapists across the United States. In light of all these barriers, there is ample opportunity for advocacy efforts to promote the wellness and success of individuals with addiction—and many people have been doing just that. For decades, grass-roots organizations, medical and mental health professionals, and communities have been advocating for those with addiction and making great gains.

• You can also encourage your friend or family member to continue their aftercare through a program like AA.
• Heavy drug users often lose interest in old hobbies, lack energy, and become more moody, withdrawn, and sad.
• Roughly 25 percent of students report academic consequences due to drinking, and fully 20 percent of college students meet AUD criteria.
• Designed with the family members and friends of alcoholics in mind, Al-Anon and Alateen are great resources for learning how to cope with someone’s drinking behavior.
• There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to overcoming an addiction to drugs, and it’s rarely a process that’s quick or straightforward.
• Alcoholics Anonymous is the longest running ‘anonymous’ program and welcomes pill addicts who are also addicted to alcohol.
• When this happens, it can be useful to stay with the urge until it passes.

It also focuses on providing helpful information about dual diagnosis conditions, such as mental health disorders and substance abuse. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is an organization that focuses on the quality of care provided by social workers across the United States. HelpStartsHere, the NASW’s online directory, has lists of clinical social support for those who struggling with alcohol addiction workers, psychologists and psychiatrists who have different specialties, including alcohol use disorders (AUDs). You can also narrow your search by geographic area, mental wellness topics and other factors. This organization produces The American Journal on Addictions which contains detailed research and articles about substance abuse, including alcoholism.

How to support your loved one through their journey

Many people find themselves in a codependent relationship. Yet, to an outsider, it may appear confusing as to why someone would stay in a relationship with a person who struggles with addiction. However, codependency is nuanced, and every couple needs to address their struggles with codependency and substance use disorders in their own way.