How to Help an Alcoholic in Denial

andrewmichaelfriedrichs
July 20, 2022
Sober Living
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Lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding alcohol-centric social settings and engaging in healthy activities, are also important. Finally, be prepared for resistance or backlash when you set and enforce boundaries. The alcoholic in denial may react with anger, guilt, or further denial, as these boundaries challenge their ability to continue drinking without accountability. Stay focused on your goals and remember that your boundaries are not about controlling the individual but about protecting yourself and creating an environment that encourages change. Over time, firm boundaries can help the individual recognize the impact of their behavior and may even motivate them to seek help. Patience and persistence are vital, as change often happens slowly and requires repeated efforts.

Intensive therapy & support for those who do not require 24/7 hospitalization. “When you take steps to heal, it gives everyone permission around you to do the same,” says Spotorno. “Mental health care is critical for achieving long-term success in overcoming AUD,” says Elhaj. All experts agree that when talking to your loved one, it’s best to be patient and compassionate. But maybe they drinka few glasses of wine each night to help them fall asleep.

Suggest Professional Intervention

These challenges significantly impact their ability to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
They also help the individual understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Avenues Recovery offers guidance on identifying denial in alcoholism and outlines recovery support methods for individuals and their families.
When someone you love repeatedly chooses alcohol or other drugs over everything else, it can feel like the person you once knew is slipping away.
Many individuals struggling with alcohol dependency are unaware or unwilling to acknowledge the severity of their condition.

The goal is to break through the denial by providing undeniable evidence of the problem while offering a clear path to recovery. The professional ensures the conversation stays on track, preventing emotional outbursts or arguments that could derail the process. They also help the individual understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. When helping an alcoholic, reinforce any positive steps they take toward reducing drinking, regardless of size, while establishing healthy boundaries to prevent enabling.

Seek professional help

Highlight patterns like drinking alone, neglecting responsibilities, or prioritizing alcohol over family, work, or hobbies. Mention how irritability, mood swings, or secretive behavior around drinking can also signal a problem. You can’t force someone to quit drinking, but you can start a supportive conversation. It’s a good idea to ask questions, let the person with AUD lead the conversation, and avoid judgment and accusations. This can help the person with AUD feel more at ease and might help them accept that they need treatment for their alcohol use. For some people, outpatient programs with therapy treatment sessions are a great way to start the recovery journey.

Consider an intervention

It serves as a psychological defense, allowing them to rationalize or minimize their substance use despite its negative impacts. As a prerequisite to recovery, alcoholics in denial must admit that they have an addiction that they are unable to control. Once the alcoholic can recognize that, they can enter a rehab program to undergo medical detox if necessary and learn the tools to stay sober for the long term. As a non-addict, you can’t understand how difficult it is to admit that you have a serious drinking problem.

Addiction rehab

Whether it’s through helplines, text services, or online support groups, individuals in Canada have a range of options to seek guidance and support on their journey towards recovery.
By educating them on the signs of alcoholism in a compassionate and informed way, you can help them move from denial to acceptance and, eventually, toward recovery.
Use the information below to book a free assessment and help your loved one start their journey to recovery today.
Once your loved one shows signs of acceptance when it comes to their addiction, it’s time to consider next steps.

Private treatment at Priory’s network of hospital sites and wellbeing centres can also put your loved one on the road to recovery from alcohol addiction. Establishing a routine is another key aspect of supporting healthy lifestyle changes. Help the individual create a daily schedule that includes time for work, hobbies, relaxation, and social activities.

It’s important to stay calm, supportive, and non-judgmental throughout any conversation and to remember that acknowledging AUD can be overwhelming and frightening. Recognizing signs of denial—such as defensiveness and secrecy—is crucial; those who experience problem drinking may not acknowledge it, especially if they are high-functioning. Engage them in discussion without accusations; express concern in a gentle manner. If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, get the help you need and deserve.

Understanding how denial operates is crucial for both those grappling with addiction and their support networks. You can offer support and take steps to ensure you are not enabling their drinking. It is recommended to approach the person when they are sober and in a safe, comfortable environment. Focus on your concerns for their well-being and provide examples of how their drinking has impacted their life. While supporting an alcoholic in denial, it’s imperative to not overlook your own needs.

Through this platform, I hope to inspire strength, resilience, and lasting change in everyone who visits. A person’s vulnerability can be shaped by many factors—genetics, family history, environment, and even the age they first began drinking or using other substances. The line between use and abuse isn’t always clear; many people turn to alcohol to cope with emotional pain, trauma or undiagnosed mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. For people living with a functioning alcoholic, Al-Anon Family Groups provide support for those affected by someone’s drinking.

How to Deal with Alcohol Abuse

Finally, end the conversation by reaffirming your support and willingness to help. Suggest resources like therapy, support groups, or counseling, but avoid pushing too hard. Small steps, like offering to accompany them to a meeting or helping them research options, can make the idea of seeking help less intimidating.

Consider the following steps to reduce the likelihood of them becoming defensive and increase the chance of them being receptive to your ideas. Once you’ve defined your boundaries, communicate them assertively and without emotion. Use “I” statements to express how their behavior affects you, rather than sounding accusatory. For instance, say, “I feel unsafe when you drink and drive, so I will not get into the car with you if you’ve been drinking.” Be firm but calm, as anger or frustration can escalate the situation. It’s also important to ensure that your boundaries are realistic and enforceable. Don’t make threats you can’t or won’t follow through on, as this undermines your credibility and the effectiveness of the boundaries.

Another effective strategy is to share specific examples of how their drinking has affected their life or relationships. It also demonstrates that your concern comes from a place of care rather than criticism. Next, address behavioral signs, which often reveal how alcohol is impacting their daily life.

Health Conditions

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. Empathetic listening also plays a crucial role in establishing trust, offering a secure and non-judgmental environment for them to articulate their thoughts and emotions.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

Don’t waver – be prepared for the pushback, but stay firm in your convictions. This is known as enabling, and allows the alcoholic to continue denying the issue because they don’t have to take responsibility for the results of their excessive drinking. In addition to text support, online support groups and resources are available to individuals in Canada. These online platforms provide a safe and anonymous space for individuals to connect with helping a high-functioning alcoholic in denial others, share experiences, and access information and resources related to substance use and addiction. Even if you are aware that your drinking has become a problem, it’s common to worry about what others might think. In a 2015 study, almost 29% of participants didn’t seek treatment due to stigma or shame.