My Loved One Has a Drinking Problem

By Dawn Russ Gingras, MA, LMHC

Potomac Psychological Center, LLC

More Family/Primary Care Articles

My Loved One Has a Drinking Problem

The holidays have come and gone and after all the celebrating is over a new awareness may come to light “I think my loved one may have a drinking problem.” So what do you do when you think your loved one may have a drug or alcohol problem? The first step is to realize you are not alone. This is a real medical problem requiring real medical intervention.

Many people are surprised to hear that someone dependent on alcohol should not attempt to stop drinking on their own. Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, medical complications, and can even be fatal.

Medical assistance through detoxification centers can support the person to safely come off alcohol and to begin the healing process. This can be a three to seven day process and the client can request a doctor's note if they are concerned about mis-

sing work.

Some hallmarks of someone with a drinking problem may include but are not limited to drinking more than the person intended to or promised they would (“I'll just have one,”) having to drink more to get the same effects or level of intoxication, signs of becoming ill when stopping such as nausea, shaking, vomiting, headache, or stomach distress, negative impact to their lifestyle, especially in the areas of it impacting their work, home, or relationships through neglect or harm, alcohol use in dangerous situations or legal problems as a result of drinking.

To determine if you or your loved one needs medical intervention, you would start with a screening. Your insurance carrier can direct you to a qualified substance abuse professional within your insurance network. Typically this is found through the customer care number on the back of your insurance card or the website.

If you are helping someone not related to you, then you will have to support them in calling. There are intervention specialists available if they are denying that their drinking is a problem. If you don't have insurance, then contact the Community Services Board for your county. Most importantly, remember to get support for yourself as well.

Alcoholism is called a “family disease” because it impacts everyone around the alcoholic as well. Find a good therapist or find an Al-Anon meeting near you. Like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), it is the support group for anyone who loves or cares for someone with a drinking problem, and for teens there is Alateen. Don't wait. Start healing now.