How to Help a Family Member With Alcohol Addiction

Supporting a loved one with alcohol addiction can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Help is available, and recovery is possible. Understanding treatment options and how to access care can empower both you and your loved one to take the next step. This page will guide you through what to do when a loved one is addicted to alcohol, including how to find treatment options near you.

Signs a Family Member May Drink Too Much

Understanding the signs a loved one is addicted to drinking is an important first step to providing support. Medical and mental health professionals diagnose alcohol use disorder (AUD) using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), which defines AUD as a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.¹ Only a professional can diagnose AUD, but knowing the criteria can help alert you to the potential need for professional treatment.

Signs that a loved one or family member is addicted to alcohol might include:¹

• Drinking alcohol in larger amounts or over longer periods than originally intended.
• Having a persistent desire to reduce or stop drinking without success.
• Spending a lot of time on activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects.
• Experiencing cravings or a strong desire to use alcohol.
• Failing to fulfill major obligations at home, school, or work.
• Continuing to drink despite having persistent or recurrent interpersonal or social problems caused or worsened by the effects of alcohol.
• Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use.
• Using alcohol in dangerous situations (e.g., while driving).
• Continuing alcohol use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol.
• Experiencing tolerance, meaning there is a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effect
• Experiencing withdrawal.

How to Talk to a Family Member About Their Drinking

Starting a conversation with a family member or friend who drinks too much can be tough. The right words aren’t always easy to find, but being prepared can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help you talk to a loved one about their drinking habits:^3,4,5

• Do your research: Learn about the health effects of alcohol and the signs that their drinking may be a problem. Understanding treatment options and having a few facility recommendations ready can also be helpful.
• Acknowledge your own feelings: Reflect on how your loved one’s drinking affects you so you can communicate more clearly. Practicing the conversation with someone you trust can help you feel more prepared.
• Choose the right time: Talk when your loved one isn’t drinking or mixing alcohol with other substances, and emotionally in a good place to have a meaningful conversation.
• Be clear, kind, and nonjudgmental: Focus on specific concerns and avoid stigmatizing language. For example, you might say, “I’m worried about your drinking because you’ve been missing work,” instead of using labels like “alcoholic.”
• Express your support: Show that you care and want to help. For example, you might say, “I’d love to spend more time with you—maybe we could do a weekly alcohol-free night together,” or “I know this might be tough, but I want to support you however I can.”
• Share helpful resources: Provide information about resources and support options, such as AA meetings or local treatment centers. If possible, offer to help them access these services.
• Ask for professional help if needed: A doctor or therapist can provide guidance and help mediate the conversation.
• Follow up: Set a time to check in again and talk about their progress. Change rarely happens overnight, and ongoing support matters.

Resources and Support for Families

Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Supporting a loved one with alcohol addiction can be confusing and emotionally draining. These resources can help you access support, find community, and protect your own well-being.

Educational Resources

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Offers research-based information on alcohol use and treatment options.
• Partnership to End Addiction: Provides educational materials, free helplines, and expert advice specifically for families and caregivers.
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA provides guides for families on how to support loved ones, as well as information about treatment services.

Support Groups for Family and Friends

• Al-Anon: A 12-step support group for people affected by someone else’s drinking. Meetings are available in-person and online.
• SMART Recovery: A secular, science-based alternative to Al-Anon, offering tools grounded in CBT and motivational interviewing.
• Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA): Focuses on recovery for individuals who grew up in alcoholic or dysfunctional homes

Professional Help

• Counseling and therapy: Look for counselors and therapists who specialize in addiction, family systems, or codependency. Therapy can help you manage stress, improve communication, and set healthy boundaries.
• Intervention specialists: Certified interventionists can help you plan and conduct a safe, structured conversation with your loved one about getting treatment.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): If available through your workplace, EAPs often offer free short-term counseling, referrals, and other resources for families dealing with substance use issues.

Crisis and Helplines

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Get free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish when you call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate emotional support for you or your loved one.

How to Get a Relative into Alcohol Rehab

Knowing how to help a loved one who drinks too much get into rehab can feel overwhelming, but breaking the process into manageable steps can make it more approachable. Here’s how to get started:

• Check their insurance coverage: Call the number on your loved one’s insurance card to ask about coverage for alcohol rehab. Be sure to ask about in-network vs. out-of-network options, co-pays, deductibles, and any pre-authorization requirements.
• Use our rehab directory to find the right fit: Our online rehab tool allows you to search for alcohol rehab centers by insurance accepted, levels of care, location, treatment type, and more to match your loved one with a program that meets their specific needs.
• Contact treatment centers: Many facilities offer free pre-admissions assessments to help you understand treatment options, insurance coverage, and out-of-pocket costs. Inquire about their levels of care, including detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient, aftercare, and whether they treat co-occurring disorders.

Checking Insurance Coverage for Alcohol Rehab

If someone you care about is struggling with alcohol use, figuring out whether their health insurance covers treatment can feel overwhelming, but you have a few options. You can call the number on their insurance card to ask about coverage for rehab services, or use our free rehab locator tool.