How to Help an Alcoholic Family Member: A Practical Guide for Families

Introduction: When Love Hurts

Loving someone who is battling alcohol addiction is emotionally exhausting. You want to help — but everything you try seems to backfire.

At Higher Power Foundation, a leading alcohol rehabilitation centre in Bangalore, we have worked with hundreds of families in similar situations. Our experience outlines the best ways to support a loved one through addiction — while protecting your own mental health and anonymity.

1. Understand What Addiction Really Is

Alcoholism is not a moral failing. It is a chronic disease of the brain that affects decision-making and impulse control. 

Learn about it.

• How alcohol changes brain chemistry

• The stages of addiction

• Why “just stopping” isn’t easy nor is it the solution.

2. Stop Enabling and Start Empowering

Enabling is:

• Covering up for the addict’s behavior with family members, friends and colleagues.

• Paying fines for violation of rules and regulation after substance abuse.

• Paying up loans, bills, rents etc

Empowering means providing support, resources and encouragement to the suffering addict. This is possible by giving tough love, not buying the addict’s manipulation and conning; thereby herding the addicts towards recovery.

3. Communicate With Empathy

Use phrases like:

• “I’m really worried about your health”

• “You deserve to live without this pain”

• “There’s help available at rehab centres in Bangalore”

Avoid blaming, shouting, or ultimatums unless you are ready to follow through.

4. Set Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries are not punishments. They are protection.

Examples:

• “I won’t lend money if you’re drinking.”

• “You can’t live here unless you seek treatment.”

Stick to them. Inconsistency reduces effectiveness.

5. Consider Professional Intervention

Only a trained interventionist or rehab counselor/therapist can guide a safe conversation. At Higher Power Foundation, we offer family sessions and interventional support to help break denials.

6. Encourage Treatment, Not Just Detox

Many families think detox is enough. However detox often leads to relapse. Rehabilitation is a therapeutic holistic approach, 

Treatment includes:

• Behavioral therapy

• One on One counseling

• Group therapy

• 12-step recovery program

7. Be Part of the Recovery Process

Recovery isn’t a solo journey. Join family therapy, support groups like AA, and attend educational sessions held at the rehab centre to stay involved and understand addiction and its ramifications.

8. Take Care of Yourself

Chronic stress from dealing with addiction can cause anxiety, burnout, or depression in caregivers.

Make time for:

• Yoga or Exercise, meditation

• Counseling

• Self-care

Remember: You primarily need to be healed to help the addict in your life.

Why Higher Power Foundation is Your Partner in Healing

We offer:

• Evidence-based treatment for alcoholism and drug abuse

• Both Inpatient rehab and outpatient facility in Bangalore

• Personalized family counseling services

• Spiritual growth through 12-step program

Call to Action :

Your loved one deserves help. And so do you.

📞 Contact Higher Power Foundation at +91-9880511880

 or visit www.higherpowerfoundation.in to book a free consultation today.