The best way to help an alcoholic in denial is by setting and maintaining boundaries. An alcoholic in denial is not seeing the harm they are causing themselves and others. By putting in place proper boundaries, the alcoholic in denial will eventually start to see the problems their actions are causing.

At Starbridge Recovery we personalize treatment solutions to each client. Our detox and treatment programs are designed to support individuals in need and help them recover in the most effective and efficient ways possible. Contact us today to see how we can help your loved one battle addiction.

Signs Your Loved One Is an Alcoholic

While no two situations are the same, there are some large key factors you can use to identify if your loved one’s behavior is problematic to the point of addiction.

“Had times when they ended up drinking more, or longer, than they intended?
More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?
Spent a lot of time drinking, or being sick from drinking or getting over other aftereffects?
Found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of their home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?
Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with their family or friends?
Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to them, or gave them pleasure, in order to drink?
Continued to drink even though it was making them feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had an alcohol-related memory blackout?”

These are some big signs to look out for. If you think your loved one is struggling or in denial about their drinking, there may be things you can do to support them.

How To Help an Alcoholic in Denial

Alcoholics in denial refuse to accept that they’re drinking is causing a problem. They may believe that their drinking is not problematic or that the only person it affects is them. Often an alcoholic and denial will refuse to listen when concerns about their behavior are addressed. They may even become defensive or violent when faced with the truth.

One of the first ways you can set boundaries is by refusing to give the alcoholic money. By cutting off financial support, they should begin to notice the problems that their addiction is causing. By making this boundary and sticking to it, you are forcing a level of responsibility on this individual to monetarily take care of themselves.

A second way to help an alcoholic in denial see that they have a problem is by refusing to take on their responsibilities. Wanting to support your loved one is not wrong, however, when you support an alcoholic in denial so that they can continue drinking or supporting them when they have a hangover, indicates that they do not need to take responsibility for their actions. When an alcoholic in denial does not take responsibility for their actions, they do not see the problems that they are causing.

A final way you can set boundaries and help an alcoholic in denial to see that their actions have consequences is to stop making excuses for them. When you make an excuse for an alcoholic, it makes them feel like their problem isn’t as extreme as it is. This is a coping mechanism that you have put in place to support yourself and gain a level of acceptance over this problem. This can be harmful to the alcoholic in denial. When you make excuses for them, they believe that their issue is not as big as it is and that you will cover for them and help them out.

If you love an alcoholic in denial, the best way that you can support them is by setting clear and firm boundaries. After setting boundaries, find several treatment centers you believe would work for your loved one, and keep their information on hand. When your loved one starts to push back on the boundaries you have set, you can provide them with information about the rehabs you believe will be most helpful.

How Can Starbridge Recovery Help Your Loved One Today?

At Starbridge Recovery we believe you’re worth it. We have redesigned and reimagined addiction treatment to provide a holistic and client focused approach to treatment. Clients who choose our program work through recovery in a safe and luxurious environment designed to be peaceful and relaxing for the mind and body.