If you are wanting to approach a friend about alcoholism, you may not know where to start. It can be difficult to know the best way to approach this type of situation. Prepare in advance by doing your research on alcoholism. Make sure and pick a time and place that will be comfortable for your friend. Plan out what you’ll say to them. Listen sincerely to what they say in response. And finally, offer them support moving forward if they’d like to try and get sober. While these conversations can be awkward, hopefully, your friend will realize that you just want them to be healthier. You’re being a good friend by looking out for them and trying to get them help.
How to Approach a Friend about Alcoholism: Be a Support
Do Your Homework
The first thing to do before you approach a friend about alcoholism is to do a little research. It’s good to know what causes alcoholism and how alcohol affects the brain and body. Addiction is hard for people to understand if they aren’t going through it. So try and do your homework to learn about what it feels like for your friend. You can research alcoholism or alcohol use disorder.
Pick the Best Time and Place
Unfortunately, many times alcoholics don’t want to acknowledge their addiction. You may experience defensiveness and anger if you approach a friend about alcoholism. Set the right tone by picking a time and place that will make them comfortable. Don’t have your conversation in public, but rather somewhere private without distraction. Make sure they’re sober before having the conversation. Practice what you’re going to say and make sure to avoid accusations or anger. Instead, tell them you care about them and are concerned about their health.
Listen
If you approach a friend about alcoholism, be prepared for any response. They may get defensive or deny having any problem with drinking. They could even get angry with you. And of course, it’s possible that they’ll have an emotional reaction. Listen sincerely if they want to open up about their drinking. If they don’t seem open to talking about it, offer support but give them space. They may reconsider your offer of help later.
Offer Support
Finally, after you approach a friend about alcoholism, offer them your support. They need to decide to quit drinking on their own, but offer to help them find help. You could also offer to help them find a treatment facility or local Alcoholics Anonymous programs. Check-in with them periodically to show that you are thinking about them and are there if they need a friend to talk to.
If you want to approach a friend about alcoholism, prepare in advance. They could react in many different ways, so prepare for anything. Research alcoholism beforehand so you know a little about what they’re going through. Pick a time and place where they’ll be at ease. Speak to them calmly and positively without accusing them or making them feel guilty. Listen to them when they want to share their feelings. And finally, make sure that they know you’ll be there to support them. Alcohol withdrawal can be difficult, but hopefully, your friend will be able to get through it knowing they have a supportive friend like you by their side.