Living with an Alcoholic
How can I help the alcoholic I love?
This question is neither new or unique, but has been asked time and time again by those that have to live with an alcoholic and witness them slowly destroying themselves. It is estimated that each alcoholic affects the lives of at least four other people. Four other people that want to help in some way. It often seems so clear what needs to be done, but yet so unclear to those that struggle with alcohol dependence.
If the alcoholic won’t admit to having a problem and is not willing to help themselves, then what typically needs to happen is for the alcoholic to hit rock bottom. Unfortunately this could mean losing their family, their shelter, their job. You need to decide on how much you take. Broadly speaking, if you a willing to support an alcoholic and their dependence, then you are also supporting their certain death. Chances are likely that if you are living with an alcoholic, you are not living a very healthy lifestyle. You need to take a firm grasp of your life and decide on how you want to live it.
Number one priority is to look after you. We tend to cover up the truth and mask the ugliness as a survival technique. It’s a very effective but needs to stop. There could be many other reasons for staying with an alcoholic, none of them very healthy. Seek out some help for yourself. Whether it be private counseling or Al-Anon, you are not alone in your struggle. There are others that share the same feelings of frustration and helplessness.
So you ask how to help an alcoholic. If the alcoholic is rejecting your attempts for help, then the answer lies in helping yourself first.
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