Alcohol addiction develops slowly over several years, and the individuals themselves never notice it. The most typical alcoholic’s opinion of their drinking is “I can stop it any time.” However, the truth is the opposite: alcohol addiction is a disease, and help is needed in order to cure it.

Do any of these symptoms fit a friend or family member, and do you want to help? You will need to be understanding and empathic. Think about how you would like to be talked to if you had drinking problems. Show care and compassion, not incomprehension and condemnation.

It is important to choose the right moment. Talk when the person is not depressed and drunk and when you are calm and confident (there will be no point in starting a conversation when you are angry, especially for something your friend or family member has done while drunk). It is important that you have a lot of information available that you can use – so that you can suggest what to do and where to go for help.

If you persuade a person you are worried about to seek help, it will already be a step towards changing drinking habits. It is recommended to keep track of the units of alcohol consumed, trying to drink less gradually. The problem must be understood by the addict himself. This may require more than one call. It can also happen that a person agrees with what you say just to get rid of you. Be prepared to agreement with you, but no changes in the end of the day!

If you can’t cope on your own – drinking continues, it affects you more and more – you feel ashamed and guilty – it’s worth looking for help outside. Talk to your family doctor or psychologist, talk to friends who have had similar experiences.