How to Help an Alcoholic: A Guide to Support and Recovery

how to help an alcoholic stay sober

They are best for people motivated to recover and cannot leave their responsibilities at home, work, or school. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Finding the right way to approach someone you think may have an alcohol use disorder can be tough.

Put Yourself in Less Risky Situations

  • Holding on to your shame and guilt will lead you down a path of depression that is almost certainly going to lead you to a relapse.
  • Some who initially identified with the term now have a different take on what sobriety really means.
  • Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, get enough rest, and seek medical help if needed.
  • Understanding the different facets of alcohol addiction is crucial for anyone seeking to break free from its grip and live a sober, fulfilling life.

The worst of your battle is behind you, but many people often face a new set of challenges when learning how to stay sober after rehab. You could be looking for a way to gain more support from family and friends, or want to limit possible Twelve-step program triggers for relapse that can be present in everyday life. Achieving and maintaining sobriety from alcohol is a rewarding journey that can positively impact all aspects of your life. By understanding the nature of alcohol addiction, setting realistic goals, and building a strong support network, you can take control of your life and create a healthier, happier future.

Pursue Education or Career Development

how to help an alcoholic stay sober

While staying sober is not quite as simple as just avoiding drinking alcohol, this does play a key part. If you have an alcohol problem, remember that it is not possible sober alcoholic meaning for you to drink any amount of alcohol without risking relapse. Maybe you want to discover how to help a loved one maintain their sobriety after they complete a course of addiction treatment.

Side Effects of Continued Alcohol Use (Long-term):

how to help an alcoholic stay sober

From building support networks to focusing on personal growth, each step is crucial for long-term success. Standing by your friend or family member’s progress during and after treatment is important, too. Even after recovery, your person will be in situations they can’t predict. Ways you can help include avoiding alcohol when you’re together or opting out of drinking in social situations. Ask about new strategies that they learned in treatment or meetings. AAC is recognized as a leading provider of alcohol detox and rehab.

Programs & Tracks

This article discusses the meaning of sobriety and arms you with information and strategies to smooth—and stay on—your path to wellness. This journey to sobriety can be challenging, but celebrating milestones throughout can provide motivation and a reward for the hard work you put in. It is important to not turn these rewards into opportunities to drink. Talk with your friends or a trusted source near every milestone to have a plan on how to celebrate your sobriety.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Doctors sometimes use medications in alcohol addiction treatment. Some of these medications help reduce the adverse side effects of detoxification and withdrawal, while others help reduce cravings and normalize body functions. If you’re having the thought that you want to get sober and want to know how to get clean, there’s probably already an underlying motivation. Drinking alcohol can create problems in every area of life, including your physical health, mental health, social life, work-life, and overall wellbeing. Make a list of the ways drinking has negatively impacted your life.

how to help an alcoholic stay sober

According to a national survey in 2019, 20.4 million Americans had experienced a substance use disorder over the past year. And data from the previous year showed that only about one tenth of individuals with an SUD received the treatment they needed. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor. People who reach certain sober milestones receive pins or chips, acknowledging their achievements.

Schedule Time, Not To-Dos

For someone struggling with their sobriety and learning a new way of life, this is one of the best exercises you can do. Detox can be a difficult process, but taking care of yourself is the best way to ensure a successful outcome. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, get enough rest, and seek medical help if needed. Remember, every small step you take toward a healthier lifestyle contributes to a stronger, more resilient, and more fulfilling sober life. Managing PAWS symptoms effectively can involve medications like acamprosate and psychotherapy, which have been proven to help individuals maintain their sobriety and navigate the challenges of PAWS. By exploring different therapy options and working closely with a qualified therapist, you can find the best approach for addressing your specific needs and achieving lasting sobriety.

The Negative Effects of the Drugs

But you can take this time to build upon the core elements of a strong relationship, including working on yourself. Here are some of the best steps you can take to support someone in recovery. Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are sometimes referred to as intensive outpatient programs (IOP). You may also want to see if other family members and friends want to be involved. This can depend on several factors, such as how serious the situation is or how private the person may be. By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism.

Related: Stars Who‘ve Battled Mental Health Issues

Maintaining employment that nourishes your spirit will go a long way in your sober life. Many people find that a job that involves helping people helps them stay sober. You don’t have to work completely in the service of others – you can make a meaningful impact on the world. At Renaissance Recovery our goal is to provide evidence-based treatment to as many individuals as possible. Give us a call today to verify your insurance coverage or to learn more about paying for addiction treatment.

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