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Alcohol abuse
Alcohol works to slow down our brains, making it easier to stress less and be happy. But alcohol is only good in moderation.
If you notice
that you or a friend feel like you ‘need’ alcohol to relax,
that you cannot control your intake,
drinking is impacting your physical health, finances, and ability to make work/life commitments,
alcohol may be a problem.
In a culture that accepts alcohol as a part of social life, it can be incredibly hard to get away from alcohol. As a friend, you can play a great role in helping your friend stay clear of alcohol and get back in control of their habit.
What it feels like
We know the way alcohol slows down your mind can help distract you from your worries. Early on in alcoholism, this is the high addicts keep chasing – the removal of anxiety, and the ability to feel relaxed, confident and happy. The people most at danger for alcohol dependence are those who begin turning to drinking more and more to deal with something else going on in their lives. When you have been drinking for a long time it takes many more drinks for this to happen, or it doesn’t happen at all any more. As well as an emotional dependence, alcohol creates a physical dependence where you physically need to drink as your body is so accustomed to it you will go into withdrawal without it.
What you can do to support in the first 24-48 hours:
Check their situation regarding: Ease of access to alcohol| Access to money / emergency funds | Access to shelter | Access to food and water
Be present with your friend
Let them know you care - accept that they might not be willing to change yet
Let them talk through what has been concerning them, and how they feel
Talk through their worries, concerns and plans for the future
Let them know the ways you are able to support them (emotional, practical, financial)
Providing Support
A friend may be angry or defensive, and may be unwilling to admit they have an issue. Psychological addiction to alcohol is often rooted problems going on in other areas of life – job loss, relationship issues, trauma and more. While managing dependency can seem largely practical, there are many emotional issues to be addressed underneath. You can make a difference by helping them deal with the issues they are avoiding.
Emotional Support
Be present with your friend
Let them know you care - accept that they might not be willing to change yet
Let them talk through what has been concerning them, and how they feel
Talk through their worries, concerns and plans for the future
Let them know the ways you are able to support them (emotional, practical, financial)
Practical Support
Offer to help moderate their access to alcohol. You can help keep them from indulging at social events, or help them get rid of their stash.
Support them get in touch with their GP or local addiction service to get a referral