How to tell someone you love that they are addicted to alcohol?

Question by Kailey: How to tell someone you love that they are addicted to alcohol?
My brother has become more dependent on alcohol. I’m afraid that he is going to do something stupid, but I don’t know what to say to him because I don’t want him to push me away and out of his life. I love and care about him and would hate for him to stay addicted. Please, Please, Please help me!
thanks 🙂

Best answer:

Answer by Sean
Kailey,
One of the primary symptoms of alcoholism is denial. The alcoholic says, “I can quit anytime” or “it’s only beer” or some other way of denying his alcohol abuse. Nothing you can say to him will persuade him to stop drinking. He has to get to the point where he feels that things are so bad as a result of his drinking that they can’t get worse. This is called hitting bottom.

Alcoholism is a disease with physiological, psychological, and social aspects. He needs the help only a rehabilitation program can provide. Your brother may have to go through the program more than once to learn to control his drinking. Additionally, he will never be cured. He will always be in recovery.

Kailey, I suggest you contact Al-anon or Ala-teen. I’ve put links below. You will meet people who are going through the same thing you’re going through. They will provide emotional support and also tell you how they have coped with a relative’s alcoholism.

My heart goes out to you.
Sean Roberts

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