How To Help A Friend Who Has An Alcohol Problem

As many medical experts know, alcohol abuse and addiction can be very problematic conditions. This is the case for many reasons, including the fact that alcoholism can impair one's health while problematizing the user's ability to attain or maintain stable income. Alcoholism can also have a profoundly negative impact on the user's relationship given the fact that the user's loved ones often pour economic resources into her or his recovery, an activity which can entail resentment and estrangement. If you are attempting to help someone who has an alcohol addiction, you should learn as much about the problem as you can.

United States Alcoholism Statistics

To gain a deeper understanding of how widespread and pervasive alcoholism is, it may help to briefly review some statistics regarding alcohol use in America. Here are several:

• In 2011, 51.5% of adults aged 18 and older were currently regular drinkers, meaning that they consumed at least 12 drinks within the past year.
• In 2011, 13.6% of adults aged 18 and older were current infrequent drinkers, meaning that they consumed 1-11 drinks during that year.
• In 2010, there were 15,990 alcoholic liver disease deaths.
• In 2010, there were 25,692 alcohol-induced deaths (excluding homicides and accidents)

Alcohol Statistics For Teens

In addition to gaining a general understanding of how alcoholism affects Americans, it is important to know how alcohol consumption affects young people. Here are some statistics:

• By the age of 15, 50% of teens have consumed at least one drink.
• By the age of 18, more than 70% of teenagers have consumed at least on drink.
• On average, young people consume around 5 drinks on one occasion. This activity can constitute binge drinking.
• Every year, 5,000 people under the age of 21 die from alcohol-related homicides, car crashes, alcohol poisoning, suicides, and other types of injuries like burns, falls, and drowning.

Once you gain a general understanding of alcoholism and alcohol use, you will be better equipped to help an individual struggling with the problem. Here are three strategies that can help you:

1. Don't Be An Enabler.

As many professionals know, enabling is a process in which an individual engages in activities or exhibits attitudes that directly or indirectly help an addict continue their addictive behaviors. To determine whether you are an enabler, consider the following questions:

• Do you ever call in sick for an alcoholic when they are too hung over to go to school or work?
• Do you ever bail an alcoholic out of jail or pay any legal fees he or she has entailed?
• Do you ever drink with the alcoholic in an attempt to strengthen the relationship?

2. Suggest That The Alcoholic Attain Help.

This is a relatively straight-forward strategy that should be sought out with care. In some cases, a family or group of friends can schedule an intervention in which they lovingly confront the alcoholic and make strong suggestions regarding her or his need to attain help. This type of intervention generally includes a clear outline of the debilitating actions and/or behaviors that the alcoholic has been engaging in. It also offers a prearranged treatment plan which includes clear goals, steps and guidelines. Finally, it spells out what every family member and friend involved will do if the loved one will not select a treatment option.

3. Encourage Other Interests And Social Activities.

Like most people, alcoholics have interests that stimulate them intellectually and emotionally or contribute to a sense of general livelihood and joy. Suggesting that they engage in such activities-whether it be novel writing or playing baseball-can help facilitate the recovery process by encouraging the addict to become engaged in non-alcohol related activities. Used individually or together, these steps can help you bring an end to a loved one's alcohol addiction. If you suspect that you or someone you love has an alcohol addiction, be sure to consult with a medical professional to attain the advice and counsel you need.