How To Help A Friend With Alcoholism?

Robert Gerchalk smiling

Robert Gerchalk

Robert is our health care professional reviewer of this website. He worked for many years in mental health and substance abuse facilities in Florida, as well as in home health (medical and psychiatric), and took care of people with medical and addictions problems at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University.

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How To Help A Friend With Alcoholism?

It can be difficult to watch a friend struggle with alcoholism. You may feel helpless, but there are ways to support your friend and help them through this difficult time. Here are some tips:

Be there for them. Let them know you support them and are available to talk.

Encourage them to seek professional help. Offer to go with them to appointments or help them find a treatment program.

Make sure they are staying safe. If they are drinking, make sure they are not driving and that they have a safe way to get home.

Avoid enabling their behavior. Do not cover for them or make excuses for their drinking. This will only enable their addiction and make it harder for them to get help.

Encourage healthy activities and hobbies. Spending time with sober friends and participating in activities that don’t involve alcohol can help your friend stay on track.

Helping a friend with alcoholism can be difficult, but it is important to be there for them and offer your support. If you are concerned about your friend’s drinking, encourage them to seek professional help. Making sure they are staying safe and avoiding enabling their behavior is also crucial. Finally, encourage healthy activities and hobbies to help your friend stay on track.

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You don't have to do this alone!

Fill out our confidential form whenever you’re ready.
Your information stays private, and our team will respond with compassion, clarity, and the support you deserve.