Helping a Loved One with Alcohol Addiction
Understanding Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is diagnosed as an alcohol use disorder (AUD).1 This diagnosis is based on a set of symptoms that involve an impaired ability to control alcohol use despite the severe consequences alcohol use has on a person’s mental, physical, and social well-being.1 It’s important to note that although people often use the terms ‘alcoholic’ or ‘alcoholism’ colloquially, they are outdated and stigmatizing terms, which means that they can cause shame that prevents a person from seeking help.2 Instead, it’s advisable to use terms that accurately describe the person’s legitimate medical condition, such as alcohol use disorder and person with an alcohol use disorder.2
Signs Your Loved One May Struggle with Alcohol Addiction
Medical and mental health professionals diagnose AUD using criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).3 It’s important to avoid self-diagnosis when researching how to help someone with alcoholism, as only a qualified professional can diagnose the disorder. However, if you’ve noticed that your loved one is struggling with the health effects of alcohol, you should understand the criteria so you know when it might be time to reach out for help.3
How to Support a Loved One & Get Help for Alcohol Addiction
Although it can be challenging to understand how to support an alcoholic, there are many ways that you can encourage your loved one to get the help they need.4
If you’re unsure about how to help someone with alcohol addiction, American Addiction Centers is here to help. Please call our free, confidential helpline at to connect to a caring admissions navigator, who can listen to your concerns, help you understand AUD, and explain how to find appropriate treatment for your loved one’s needs.
How to Talk to a Loved One About Their Drinking Habits
When considering how to support someone with alcohol addiction, it’s important to discuss your concerns in an empathic and understanding manner. Having the conversation isn’t easy, but below are some tips to consider that can help you start the conversation, as well as things you should avoid.5
How to Get Someone into Rehab for Alcohol Addiction
Helping someone enter rehab for alcohol addiction can feel overwhelming, but there are several practical steps you can take. One option is to ask if they’d be open to you scheduling an appointment with their doctor to discuss their drinking and explore referral options. You can also research treatment facilities, read reviews, and contact programs directly to gather more information.
If your loved one is a Veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be a helpful resource. Consulting a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, substance use counselor, or licensed social worker, can also provide valuable guidance. For additional support, you can use our alcohol rehab directory or call American Addiction Centers at to speak with an admissions navigator.
Types of Rehab for Alcohol Addiction
Your loved one can enter various levels of care for alcohol addiction. Treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and effective treatment should be personalized and consider all of your loved one’s unique needs.7 Effective treatment can involve a variety of interventions, such as behavioral therapies, counseling, education, medication, and support groups to provide a comprehensive, whole-person approach to recovery.8
Can You Force Someone To Go to Rehab?
You cannot force someone to go to rehab if they are not yet ready or willing to do so. However, in certain cases, people involved in the criminal justice system may be court-ordered, or mandated, to go to rehab.9 If your loved one is mandated to treatment and refuses to go, you might discuss the ramifications of this decision, which can depend on the specifics of their case but may include penalties or even incarceration.10
Start the Recovery Journey
Whether your loved one is struggling with alcohol or co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression, we are here to help you. Call American Addiction Centers at to learn more about our treatment facilities and health insurance coverage for rehab, and verify your loved one’s insurance right away. No matter how things might seem right now, there is always hope, and help is just a phone call away.
We'll be able to tell you if your insurance provider is in network with an American Addiction Centers treatment facility.
- Dual-diagnosis treatment centers.
- Personalized treatment plans.
- Financial options available.