To help an alcoholic effectively, consider the following expert-backed steps:

Understand Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

• Learn about AUD to better comprehend the challenges your loved one faces and to prepare yourself to offer informed support

Approach with Compassion and Timing

• Choose a calm, private moment when the person is sober to talk.
• Express your concerns honestly but with empathy, avoiding judgment or confrontation

Communicate Thoughtfully

• Plan what you want to say and practice if needed.
• Listen actively and be patient, recognizing that denial or anger may occur

Offer Support and Encourage Professional Help

• Encourage seeking professional treatment such as therapy, detox programs, or support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.
• Offer to help find resources, make appointments, or accompany them to meetings to reduce fear and isolation

Build a Supportive Environment

• Encourage a healthy daily routine with regular meals, sleep, and activities.
• Remove alcohol-related triggers from their environment when possible

Take Care of Yourself

• Seek support from friends, family, or support groups like Al-Anon to manage your own stress.
• Remember that recovery is a process with potential setbacks, and your well-being is important too

Stay Involved and Patient

• Maintain regular check-ins and celebrate small successes.
• Understand that change takes time and continue offering encouragement without enabling drinking behaviors

Avoid Enabling and Set Boundaries

• Do not cover up for their drinking or make excuses.
• Set clear boundaries to protect yourself and encourage accountability

By combining knowledge, compassionate communication, encouragement of professional help, and self-care, you can provide meaningful support to an alcoholic loved one on their path to recovery