For families of alcoholics, as well as for the alcoholics themselves, feelings of shame, guilt and grief can become very powerful. Read these articles about Family as it relates to Alcohol Addiction, Treatment for Alcoholism, and the Addiction Recovery process.
Involving one’s family in the recovery plan can help one stay sober. Talk to the family about the journey and what they expect to accomplish to enjoy sobriety. Let them know that recovery won’t happen overnight and that they have to learn how to be patient. Also, they need to have realistic expectations and take each day as it comes.
There are things friends and family can do to support their loved one in their fight against alcohol addiction. The challenges an alcoholic will face in finding sobriety can seem like an insurmountable task. Any aid an alcoholic can get from loved ones in their efforts to stop drinking can go a long way to increase the likelihood of a victory in their struggle against their addiction.