This could be a crazy question, but I'm desperate. I'm very close to two alcoholics. The first tried to commit suicide recently and is sober for the moment. The second is not. Both have hit rock bottom before directly after I told them some deep stuff about how their drinking effected me. Both quoted these talks as being incredibly influential in their decisions to get better. I'm attending Al-anon. I know I have to take care of myself first. But I also know that hitting rock bottom is the only way to recover. I hate the idea of letting them suffer in order to get better, but I know that this is important. Other than what I've done previously, I'm interested to know if there are other ways people have assisted their loved ones in this process?
2007-06-28 07:34:09 · 6 answers · asked by lulilashjnord 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Wouldn't losing your friendship be hitting rock bottom? I think you need to break free of these people and move on with your life. You remaining close to these people isn't helping.
2007-06-28 07:53:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Unfortunately, when dealing with alcoholics, there's very little you can do to get them to stop drinking other than encourage them to get professional help and attend support groups. Try not to enable them in anyway and don't feel guilty about it, even if you decide at some point that the problem is so bad that you should break off ties. Maybe hitting "bottom" for these two is when they see that people like you will not tolerate their drinking and behavior, and break off ties because of it.
As for yourself, there are people you can speak to in order for YOU to cope with a difficult situation. I wish you the best of luck.
2007-06-28 07:45:19 · answer #2 · answered by Stephen L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have lived through his nightmare and then had to watch many others deal with it as an EMT. There is nothing you can do to help someone reach rock bottom. The only thing you can to is not enable them at all !! There may a lot of aggravation when you refuse to enable them. Don't go partying with them, do not help them financially, do not buy them alcohol, do not bail them out of jail when they are arrested for DWI, etc. It has to be their decision and theirs only. No rehab will do any good if they do not admit to having a problem and want to do something about it. Forced rehab is an absolute waist of time. I wish you and them luck and will keep you in my prayers.
2007-06-28 07:41:56 · answer #3 · answered by emtd65 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
go to Alanon, the way most people hit rock bottom is they loose everything they worked for, or at least that is my defination.
2007-06-28 07:39:16 · answer #4 · answered by oneandonlyness 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you know already - - one can only be helped if "they" want to be helped - They have to want it for themselves - just saying they want help doesn't cut it - actions speak louder than words.
I wish you and your friends much luck and happiness - tough row to hoe.
2007-06-28 07:39:34 · answer #5 · answered by tirebiter 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
church support groups. therapy. couselling. prayer. i hope all works out for you all.
2007-06-28 07:37:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋