You cannot force someone you love to stop abusing alcohol.
As much as you may want to, and as hard as it is to watch, you cannot make someone stop drinking. The choice is up to them.
Don’t expect the person to stop drinking and stay sober without help.
Your loved one will need treatment, support, and new coping skills to overcome a serious drinking problem.
Recovery is an ongoing process.
Recovery is a bumpy road, requiring time and patience. An alcohol dependent person will not magically become a different person once sober. And the problems that led to the alcohol abuse in the first place will have to be faced.
Admitting that there’s a serious problem can be painful for the whole family, not just the alcohol dependent person. But don’t be ashamed. You’re not alone. Alcohol dependency affects millions of families, from every social class, race, and culture. But there is help and support available for both you and your loved one.
