Invite your loved one to join you for regular walks, new hobbies, or fitness classes, which can boost well-being and reduce reliance on alcohol. You might encounter someone who minimizes how much or how often they drink, blames stress or other people, or insists they can stop whenever they want. Secretive drinking or making excuses for missed responsibilities are frequent warning signs.

They’re able to successfully manage tasks around their work, school, family, and finances, he says. You suspect your spouse, close friend, or relative has a drinking problem. If you know someone with alcohol use disorder (AUD), it’s natural to be concerned and want to help. You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through!

Best Ways to Stop Drinking:…

This helps hold them accountable for their actions and encourages them to take responsibility. They may also not have up-to-date information about how much alcohol is considered “normal” use. New research shows that brain science may also contribute to someone’s lack of insight about their drinking. The same areas of the brain affected by addiction may also be responsible for self-awareness.

Support Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Denial is often a self-defense mechanism for people under stress, whether or not they drink heavily. It can be hard to watch someone you care about suffer, and it’s important to take breaks and look after yourself during this time. In extreme cases, denial can lead an individual to completely ignore that they are abusing alcohol, refusing to even acknowledge that there might be a problem.

Our dedicated staff are highly experienced and treat every client with utmost care and respect. If you are looking for premier care and an understanding team, reach out to Avenues Recovery to help your loved one start their journey to recovery. It’s important to note that although some alcoholics are aware that they are addicted and know that they need help, they don’t have the courage to pursue it. However, many alcoholics are genuinely unaware that they may have an issue. Their brain protects them from feeling emotional pain by rationalizing their behaviors, convincing them that they have their drinking under control and they can how to help an alcoholic in denial stop whenever they want to. It is important to educate yourself about alcoholism and its effects.

• You can also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline.
• It can be hard to watch someone you care about suffer, and it’s important to take breaks and look after yourself during this time.
• The more you know, the more you can sympathize with the addict and understand that they do not have a moral failing; rather, they are struggling with a chronic disease.
• Allowing your loved one to express their thoughts and feelings without interruption can foster openness and reduce defensiveness.

Ask open-ended questions that invite self-reflection and encourage long-term, science-based approaches to recovery. To help them share their experience, be prepared to listen more than you talk. Don’t worry that you’re not “doing enough,” and don’t get overly involved in planning their path to recovery — there will be time for that in the future.

• It is important to know what you want to say and the points you want to make.
• Nutrition plays a vital role in recovery, as alcohol often depletes essential nutrients and damages the body.
• It is an unconscious process that causes a person to refuse to acknowledge the severity of their problem with alcohol.
• Focus on your concerns for their well-being and provide examples of how their drinking has impacted their life.
• Denial often protects an individual from facing uncomfortable truths, but it can also create significant problems for both their relationships and health.

Understand the denial

“Always approach a loved one from a place of support and desire to help them, instead of leading with judgment or anger,” says Omar Elhaj, MD, a senior medical director at LifeStance Health. Sometimes, a person’s personality can influence their tendency for denial. Certain traits, such as independence and perfectionism, can add to a person’s hesitancy or reticence to seek help, says Grawert. People who are high functioning with a drinking problem “seem to have everything together,” says Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC, a certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor.

Personality

If the person is still in denial, they may not be ready to deal with these labels. Instead, you can focus on their behaviour and the consequences of their actions. People with AUD may simply dismiss the topic of their drinking whenever it comes up.

Licensed therapists, addiction counselors, and local treatment centers also provide guidance and support for both individuals and families. If your loved one is in denial about their alcohol use and needs help, Luxe Recovery LA is here to offer unwavering support. As such, our team offers the necessary help and support throughout our alcohol rehab programs.

Why Do People Become Alcoholics?

We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol. Phrases like “I’m worried about your health” rather than “You have a problem” shift focus from blame to concern. If you feel anxious about starting the conversation, practice beforehand or write down your thoughts. Remember that this conversation is not about blaming, but about opening the door to dialogue. Make it clear to the addict that some behaviors are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The Roots of Alcoholism Denial

One sign of AUD is denial and avoidance, resulting from an individual’s fear or shame surrounding their drinking habits. It helps to keep a journal or talk with a trusted friend about your feelings. Pay attention to any warning signs that your mental health is suffering so you can act early. Encourage social connections that support sobriety rather than enable drinking. Suggest joining clubs, classes, or support groups where they can meet people with similar interests or goals.

Motivate Lifestyle Changes

And while the road ahead might be a long one, rest assured that recovery is possible! In the meantime, there are several tangible ways you can help your loved one start their journey. It can be used as a sign that an individual is struggling with substance misuse. This is why professional support is required when you believe someone suffering from drug abuse or excessive alcohol consumption is in alcoholic denial.