It’s human nature to want to help others, especially those closest to us. When we think the people we care about are experiencing difficulties with drinking, we feel the urge to help them – but it can be hard to work out how to approach them.
Sometimes, it seems obvious to us what our loved ones should do, and we can feel deeply hurt or affected by their poor choices. We can end up watching someone’s problem drinking for years and feel powerless to do anything. And our resentment and annoyance can grow.
Ultimately, it’s better to hold onto the belief that the people we love can change. But frustrating as it is, we also must accept that they’ll only begin to change when they’re ready. Here are some steps that might guide how you approach speaking to the person.