2007-03-22 05:40:03 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
Trying to force an alcoholic to stop drinking is like trying to force a christian to stop believing in god.
Alcoholism is a major disease. Not in the physical sense, but at a mental level. Alcoholism plagues the victim, frequently destroying not only the lives around the victim, but the victims life as well.
First you must understand that most alcoholics do not want to be alcoholics. Many of them are depressed, even angry with themselves for drinking so heavily. Most of them see very well how it is negatively affecting their lives, but they are simply unable to stop. Where as the normal person can set a drink down and not think about it again, an Alcoholic is not able to do so.
Most alcoholics want help, they just lack the inner will to go out and get it. Alcohol becomes a dependency, at first as a means of escaping from problems, pain, or depression, and progressively as the only means of truely feeling happy. Some people simply do not feel "ok" unless they are drunk.
You have to look at it from that perspective. When the alcoholic is drinking, he is able to "cope" with life, and the world. He is at a state of "ok". When he is not drunk, he is not ok, and while he may live a completely normal life, living without alcohol is a huge challenge.
You must understand that the alcoholic is not drinking for enjoyment (Well, not always, at least). He is drinking to escape a deeper problem, or feeling, or sense of depression. He is drinking as a means of blotting out negative feelings, emotions, or as simply a means of getting "through one more night".
It's not about simply "Not drinking" anymore for the alcoholic. The ties to alcohol go much deeper. They're psychologically dependant on the drug. They feel like they "need" it, and will even go through severe withdrawl if they are unable to have it.
It takes great will on the alcoholics part to overcome the disease. It also requires compassion and understanding of those around the alcoholic, as often simply quitting for "himself" isn't enough. Most alcoholics need an even great motivation to quit than self betterment, as the alcoholism is often the direct result of not being complete and happy with the self in the first place. So, having a support group of family and friends is incredibly helpful.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a great start for someone who is "ready" to quit. It provides them with that necessary support group, as well as gives them techniques to manage and overcome alcohol abuse. But, the alcoholic must be ready. If he is simply forced to go, or goes simply to appease someone else, he will likely not be successful.
2007-03-22 06:31:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to Alanon, the family side of Alcoholics Anonymous. I'm in AA myself but have heard Alanon has a very powerful program based on the 12 Steps we use for YOU to feel better about YOU. Not logical huh? Your changing yourself will help the drinking alcoholic obtain the miracle of sobriety. alanon.org
2007-03-22 13:17:18 · answer #2 · answered by Jim T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Show someone this picture:
http://www.cwu.edu/~bergmane/images/Normal%20Liver,%20Fatty%20Liver,%20and%20Cirrhosis.GIF
Do this when they come home drunk and surprise them, making sure they look at it while you tell them how you feel about thier drinking. When they can't handle it anymore (or they pass out), stop until they are sober again and then redo the conversation and picture. This method stopped a 20-something year alcoholic from drinking for over 3 years so far. It really works.
2007-03-22 13:01:06 · answer #3 · answered by wolfsingleton 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can not. The alcoholic will have to want it for him/herself.
Do not enable the alcoholic by making excuses. You should go to Alanon and help yourself they will help you know that you are the only one that you can change. Please take my advise and do not waste your life trying to get someone else to stop doing what they see as not a problem. I wasted 6 years on someone...he still drinks and probally always will.
2007-03-22 12:50:54 · answer #4 · answered by brandi from texas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is your husband, tell him that you love him and you want
to stay married but his drinking is destroying the marriage
and if he wants to save the marriage then he must stop
drinking, otherwise, you do not see the marriage lasting out
the rest of the year...
2007-03-22 12:48:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't. Only they can get themselves to stop. All you can do is be there for them and realize that you can't "fix" them. They will get help when they realize they need it. Not the answer you prob wanted but I know it for its truth. Just be there for them and let them know you are scared for them. Good luck.
2007-03-22 12:48:59 · answer #6 · answered by Megan F 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get them into a treatment program like AA and such, the have to want to change however
2007-03-22 12:44:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can't -They have to want help and see they are an Alcy first!
2007-03-22 12:50:13 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try to speak with this person, he have to acept this problem
2007-03-22 12:47:17 · answer #9 · answered by alma26 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep him/her away from temptation, check him/her into AA, and pray
2007-03-22 12:47:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋