Is My Loved One an Alcoholic? What You Should Know About Alcoholism
Many people who are living with alcoholics don’t know how to help them overcome their mental health disorders. If they only started drinking recently, you’re probably asking yourself – is my loved one an alcoholic? However, if you’ve been with them for a long duration, then you have the grim picture of what alcoholism entails.
According to mental health and addiction treatment experts in Dallas, TX, alcoholism goes beyond the routine consumption of alcohol. Individuals suffering from an alcohol use disorder have a unique compulsion for drinking as they cannot function without alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) estimates that 17 million US adults struggle with alcohol use disorders every year.
Signs of a Codependent Relationship
Codependency refers to the situation in a relationship where a person who is not an alcoholic enables the other one who suffers from the disease. Although codependency also occurs in relationships where neither individuals are alcoholics, it usually occurs in marriages where one spouse is an alcoholic.
There are several signs of a codependent relationship to watch out for, including:
- The inability to find satisfaction outside your desire to cater to the needs of your partner
- You have recognized that serious problems or unhealthy behaviors of your partner are causing you harm, but you continue enabling their alcohol use disorder
- Recently or for a long time, you’ve been struggling to live independently away from your partner, but the conflict within you prevents you from leaving
- You experience anxiety if you fail to meet the desires of your partner
- You’re neglecting vital activities in your life to take care of your partner
Codependency in alcoholism can result in severe mental health problems for both parties involved. Doing things to get approval from your partner is common in this kind of a relationship. Therefore, you’ll be afraid to confront your partner’s alcoholism and other harmful behaviors that affect you. There are gender-specific women’s and men’s alcohol rehab programs that can help.
Is My Loved One an Alcoholic? How to Help
The most important thing to do is to open your communication channels. This is because your loved one might never know your concerns unless you share your emotions. Although the conversation may be uncomfortable, it will ultimately prove to be beneficial for both your interests.
Provide a positive environment for your loved one for them to feel comfortable enough to share the reasons behind their behaviors. Lend a listening ear without being judgmental so that your loved one can share their deepest, darkest fears contributing to their drinking habit.
Avoid offering ultimatums as it can easily backfire and aggravate the situation. As such, avoid making your significant other feel like you’re taking control of their life by commanding them to make decisions.
Focus on giving them helpful advice and showing them that you care despite their mental health disorder. Strive to make them feel like your suggestions are aimed at improving their lives rather than imposing changes on them.
Find Alcohol Addiction Treatments at The Right Step Dallas
It’s not easy to keep up with a loved one who is an alcoholic, especially when you don’t drink. At The Right Step, we understand that what you’re going through requires immediate medical attention, and our specialists are ready to offer customized treatment plans for substance use and mental health disorders.
If you’re asking, is my loved one an alcoholic, you can find help with our alcohol addiction treatment programs. Programs to recovery that are offered include:
- Medically-assisted detox programs
- Chronic relapse prevention program
- Inpatient rehab program
- Fitness therapy program
- Aftercare program
With our team of therapists, you don’t need to worry anymore about the pressing question – is my loved one an alcoholic? Don’t let alcohol use disorders make you codependent or ruin your loved one’s life. Contact us today at 1.844.768.1161 for more information on alcohol addiction treatments in Texas or to schedule a consultation.
