Care and Support Groups for Alcoholics

For this week I will talk about ways to help care for those experiencing Alcoholism.

For Alcoholics:

The first and foremost issue is recognizing there is an issue in the first place.

Care can only be given if the individual is willing to try to get better.

Support, counseling, and therapy are all helpful before, during, and after the situation.

The National Institute of Health has another branch in the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. They offer support and resources for those currently experiencing alcoholism as well as their friends and families.

Source: Rethink Drinking-NIAAA

Alcoholics Anonymous is another excellent group for support in quitting alcohol abuse. They are a peer led group that allows individuals to talk about their struggles and issues and know that they are not alone in this fight.

AA meetings are, like the name implies, anonymous meetings thus allowing them this opportunity to discuss issue without judgement or fear. This sense of security and support is key in recovering from any addiction and abstaining from returning to it in the future.

Source: Alcoholics Anonymous

The best source of care is from clinics or hospitals and support from family, friends, or support groups.

Simple steps can be of great help, such as:

-Not offering alcohol to friends who are trying to abstain

-Supporting their decision

-Helping them find transport to and from meetings, and appointments

-Listening to them


Alcoholism is a difficult habit for someone to break on their own. Judgement and disdain will not help them to improve their situation in most cases.

If you, a friend or a loved one is suffering form alcoholism I encourage you to seek help. There is no shame in seeking help, and there is great risk to both those afflicted and those around them if help is not sought.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle".-Ian Maclaren

Regression into addiction can be common, and it is not a sign of permanent failure. Every attempt is an effort that was made and can be made in the future.