Last Updated:
September 5th, 2024
Coming to the realisation that your friend has an issue with alcohol can be incredibly tough, especially when it’s someone you’ve shared so many moments with. It’s confusing too; weekends that once meant catching up over beers have now turned into a serious concern. This guide is here to support you with practical steps and compassionate advice to help your friend on their path to recovery.
Does my friend have an alcohol addiction?
If you’ve noticed that alcohol has become a daily part of your friend’s life, regardless of whether things are going well in their lives or not, it might indicate an underlying issue. You won’t see into their life 24/7, and what happens behind closed doors might remain hidden. However, if someone is struggling with alcohol addiction, no matter how hard they try to conceal it, signs will eventually spill into their daily life.
Try to answer the following questions that could determine whether or not they may be showing signs of alcohol addiction:
- Have you noticed your friend drinking heavily or frequently at social gatherings, even when others are not?
- Does your friend often talk about drinking or make plans that revolve around alcohol?
- Has your friend ever cancelled plans or failed to show up because they were drinking or hungover?
- Do you observe your friend becoming noticeably intoxicated on a regular basis, even in situations where moderation would be expected?
- Has your friend ever seemed defensive or secretive about their drinking habits when you bring it up?
- Have you noticed any significant changes in your friend’s behaviour, mood or physical appearance that could be related to heavy drinking?
If the answer to these questions is ‘yes’, it might be a sign that your friend could be struggling with alcohol addiction. It’s important to approach the situation with care and offer support.
How can I approach my friend about their alcohol addiction?
Starting a conversation with a friend about their alcohol addiction can be daunting. You might feel scared to bring up the issue, worried that they might take offence or even ridicule you. Despite these fears, a true friend will always speak up when their friend’s well-being is at stake. If you decide to talk to your friend, here are some do’s and don’ts to help the conversation go smoothly.
Do’s ✅
✅ Choose the right time and place
Find a quiet, private setting where you won’t be interrupted. Make sure both of you have enough time to talk without feeling rushed.
✅ Express your concerns with care
Use “I” statements to express your feelings and concerns. For example, “I’ve noticed you seem to drink a lot lately, and I’m really worried about you.”
✅ Listen without judgement
Allow your friend to share their perspective without interrupting. Show that you’re there to listen and understand, not to judge or criticise.
✅ Offer support and resources
Let your friends know that you’re there for them and that help is available. Offer to assist them in finding support, whether it’s attending a meeting with them or helping them research treatment options.
✅ Be prepared for any reaction
Understand that your friend may react with anger, denial or defensiveness. Stay calm and composed, reinforcing that you’re speaking out of concern and love.
Don’ts ❌
❌ Don’t confront them when they’re intoxicated
Avoid having a conversation when your friend is under the influence of alcohol. They’re more likely to be defensive or dismissive and the conversation won’t be productive.
❌ Don’t accuse or blame
Avoid using accusatory language like “You’re ruining your life” or “You always get drunk.” This can make your friend feel attacked and less likely to listen.
❌ Don’t lecture or preach
Refrain from giving a lecture or moralising. Your goal is to open a dialogue, not to deliver a sermon about their behaviour.
❌ Don’t make ultimatums
Threatening with ultimatums like “If you don’t stop drinking, I’ll stop being your friend” can backfire. It’s better to encourage them to seek help than to force their hand.
❌ Don’t bring up past conflicts
Focus on the current issue rather than dredging up past arguments or grievances. Stick to the present concern about their drinking habits.
❌ Don’t expect immediate change
Understand that this conversation is just the beginning. Don’t expect your friend to acknowledge the problem or seek help right away. Change takes time and your continued support is crucial.
My friend doesn’t believe they have an issue with alcohol- What can I do?
It’s truly heartbreaking to see a friend struggling with alcohol while refusing to acknowledge the problem. Watching someone you care about ignore the concerns and help of those around them can be incredibly painful. As a true friend, you’re likely determined to keep offering support, even when it feels like an uphill battle. One powerful way to help is through an alcohol addiction intervention.
An intervention is a carefully planned meeting where friends, family and sometimes professionals come together to confront the person about their drinking problem. The goal is to help your friend understand the impact of their alcohol use and encourage them to seek treatment. During an intervention, each participant shares their concerns and observations in a non-judgmental, compassionate manner, highlighting how the addiction affects everyone involved. By presenting a united front, you can help your friend see the seriousness of the situation and the need for change.
However, interventions are delicate processes that require thorough preparation. It’s essential to approach this carefully, ensuring everyone involved is ready and informed. Follow our guide to ensure you’re well-prepared for this critical step. With the right approach, you can offer your friend a clear path to recovery and the support they need to take the first step toward a healthier life.
How can my friend find alcohol addiction treatment?
You’ve shown incredible courage and care by addressing your friend’s alcohol addiction. Now that you’ve put so much effort into shining a light on the issue, it’s time to offer help and resources. One of the ways you can do this is through Oasis Bradford’s alcohol addiction programme.
- Comprehensive assessment: Oasis Bradford begins with a thorough assessment to understand your friend’s unique needs. This personalised approach ensures that the treatment plan is tailored to their specific situation, increasing the chances of successful recovery.
- Detox: The programme includes a medically supervised detox process, which helps your friend safely manage withdrawal symptoms. This crucial first step is handled with care and professionalism, ensuring their comfort and safety.
- Traditional therapies: Oasis Bradford offers a range of therapeutic approaches, including individual counselling, group therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). These sessions help your friend address the underlying issues contributing to their addiction.
- Holistic therapies: In addition to traditional therapies, Oasis Bradford integrates holistic treatments such as sound therapy, yoga and mindfulness practices. These methods promote overall well-being and help your friend develop healthy coping mechanisms.
- Aftercare support: Recovery doesn’t end when the treatment programme does. Oasis Bradford provides robust aftercare support to help your friends transition back into their daily lives while maintaining their sobriety. This support network is vital for long-term success.
Encouraging your friend to seek help at Oasis Bradford could be the turning point they need. With a comprehensive treatment plan, professional support and holistic care, they can take the first steps towards a healthier, alcohol-free life.
For further advice and assistance, contact Oasis Bradford today and take the first step towards helping your friend reclaim their life.
