Do you have an alcoholic in your life? Maybe you have tried to talk to them in the past about going to one of the many detox programs available in your town and things just haven’t worked out for the better, yet. Maybe you haven’t talked to the alcoholic about their disease at all. Either way, there are some tips for approaching an alcoholic that might work.
Present the AA Big Book
When you are first starting to talk to an alcoholic about their addiction, it can be helpful to have a copy of the AA Big Book with you. During the conversation, you can let the alcoholic know what you have read and the stories that are within the book. Whether they admit it or not, it is likely they will feel connected to these stories. You can ask them if they would like to have the book to read or you can just leave it with them for later reading. They might read it when they are ready.
Leaving Things Alone
Starting the conversation about the disease of alcoholism can take courage on your end. It can be nerve-wracking, as you might not know exactly what to say. However, when you finally start talking to the alcoholic in your life and they seem uncomfortable or say they are not addicted to alcohol and won’t attend alcohol rehab, it might be best to leave them be for a while. This conversation can always be picked back up later on. You have planted the seed in their mind and they may decide to think more about their alcohol use.
Don’t Talk to Them While They are Under the Influence
Another very important thing to remember, according to Chapter 8 of the Big Book, is that you should not confront the alcoholic in your life when they are drinking or under the influence. This could just cause them to become angry. You should start the conversation when this person in your life is sober. This gives you a better chance of helping them into an alcohol rehabilitation program.
These are some of the tips for approaching an alcoholic. It can be helpful to talk to the person in your life who you believe has an addiction to alcohol. However, you must be cautious when you do so. It is likely that the first conversation won’t stick, so you may have to try again later.
If this person in your life does agree they are ready for help at one of the alcohol treatment centers be sure to have them call 888-992-7955.
