How to Help Someone Struggling with Alcoholism

Watching someone you love struggle with alcohol addiction can be heartbreaking. It may seem like they’ve changed, prioritizing drinking above everything else. But the person you care about is still there beneath the addiction. Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a medical condition that affects both the brain and behavior, making it difficult for a person to stop drinking even when it causes harm.

For many, recognizing the need for help is the hardest part. Family and friends often feel powerless, unsure of what to do or how to provide support. Alcohol addiction isn’t just about drinking too much—it’s a chronic condition that affects both physical and mental health. While you can’t force someone to seek treatment, you can learn about the condition, explore treatment options, and take steps to protect your own well-being.

What Leads to Alcohol Addiction?

Many people can drink alcohol without developing an addiction, but for others, drinking can gradually turn into a dependence that’s hard to break. Several factors influence a person’s risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD), including genetics, family history of substance use, environment, and the age at which drinking or drug use begins. 

Alcohol use exists on a spectrum, and the line between casual drinking and addiction isn’t always clear. Some people turn to alcohol to cope with emotional distress, underlying mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, or past trauma, such as childhood abuse. Others may appear to function well despite their drinking, while some experience severe consequences. Understanding what contributes to alcohol dependence can help identify early warning signs, physical and behavioral symptoms, and the progression of addiction.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Not everyone who drinks develops an addiction. Some people can drink socially without it interfering with their lives, while others find it difficult to stop. Many factors influence a person’s risk of developing AUD, including genetics, mental health conditions, trauma, and their environment. Alcohol dependency exists on a spectrum—some people function at a high level despite their drinking, while others experience severe consequences.

Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction can help you take action sooner. Some common symptoms include:

• Needing to drink more to feel the same effects

• Drinking larger amounts or for longer than intended

• Trying to cut back but being unable to stop

• Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, or tremors when not drinking

If someone you love is showing signs of alcohol addiction, addressing the issue early can prevent further harm.

What Can I Do if Someone I Love Is Struggling with Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction affects more than just the person drinking—it impacts every part of daily life, from relationships and finances to physical and emotional well-being. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away, and by the time families seek help, the situation may have already reached a crisis point, such as a job loss, legal trouble, or a medical emergency. Heavy drinking can also increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and violent behavior.

Alcoholism often thrives in secrecy, leaving the person struggling to feel isolated and ashamed. One of the most meaningful things you can do is acknowledge what’s happening and take action. Speaking up and seeking guidance can make a difference. If you're concerned about a loved one's drinking, here are four steps you can take today to support them:

1. Learn About the Risks of Alcohol Addiction

Without treatment, alcohol addiction can have life-threatening consequences. Severe cases often require medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal safely. Symptoms like headaches, nausea, anxiety, and high blood pressure can be uncomfortable, but in some cases, withdrawal can become dangerous. Understanding the medical risks of alcoholism and the importance of professional care can help you make informed decisions about treatment options.

2. Explore Treatment Options

Recovery looks different for everyone, and there are many approaches to treating alcohol addiction. Some people benefit from inpatient rehab, where they receive structured support, while others do well with outpatient counseling and peer-support programs. Twelve Step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), provide guidance and community, reinforcing long-term recovery. Learning about different treatment options can help you determine what might be the best fit for your loved one when they are ready to seek help.

3. Consider an Intervention

When someone refuses to acknowledge their drinking problem, an intervention may help them see the impact of their actions. A well-planned intervention isn’t about confrontation—it’s an opportunity for family and friends to express concern while encouraging treatment. A professional interventionist can help guide the conversation, ensuring it remains productive rather than escalating into conflict. Denial is common in addiction and can take many forms, whether through defiance (“I can stop anytime”), blame (“I only drink because of you”), or dishonesty (“I only had a couple of drinks”). A professional can help break through these barriers, increasing the chances of your loved one accepting help.

4. Take Care of Yourself

Supporting someone with alcohol addiction is exhausting, and it’s easy to lose yourself in their struggles. Even if your loved one refuses treatment, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Groups like Al-Anon and Alateen offer support for those affected by a person’s drinking, emphasizing the "three Cs"—you didn’t cause their addiction, you can’t control it, and you can’t cure it. Setting boundaries, prioritizing your well-being, and finding a support system can help you cope with the challenges of loving someone with an addiction.

Unconditional support and encouragement can help, but the choice to seek treatment has to come from them. Your role is to offer guidance while making sure you protect your own mental and emotional health along the way.

Helping Without Enabling

It’s natural to want to help, but certain actions can unintentionally prolong addiction. Covering up the consequences, making excuses, or providing financial support for drinking can make it easier for a person to continue their behavior. Instead, focus on encouraging treatment, offering emotional support, and setting clear boundaries.

Ultimately, the decision to seek help has to come from them. While you can’t control their choices, you can ensure they know that support is available when they’re ready.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, professional treatment can make recovery possible. Help is available—no one has to go through this alone.