September is National Recovery Month. During this time several efforts are made to raise awareness about substance use disorders. The importance of treatment, recovery, and community support is highlighted. For many families, watching a loved one struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD) can feel overwhelming. Recovery is a journey that involves the person with the disorder as well as the family. Recovery does not happen overnight; it is an ongoing process that may involve therapy, medications, support groups, and lifestyle changes. Family members play a vital role in creating a safe and encouraging environment that fosters sustained recovery. Supporting your loved one can provide short- and long-term sobriety. Let’s talk about some ways families can support a loved one recovering from AUD while also taking care of themselves.

Alcohol Use Disorder is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative social, occupational, or health consequences. Alcohol use disorder can be mild, moderate or severe based off symptoms in the past 12 months. 

Learn About the Condition

Take the time to learn what AUD is, so that you have an idea of what your loved one may be experiencing. It is important to understand that addiction is a chronic brain disease that makes it difficult to stop drinking. But prolonged abstinence caused by AUD can improve decreased brain function. Knowing that this is a medical condition helps reduce stigma and blame. It is important to learn about triggers, relapse risks, and coping strategies so that you are better equipped to offer meaningful support.

• Visit trusted resources such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) or SAMHSA to gain reliable information.

Healthy Communication

Working with a family member in recovery can bring up strong emotions, including frustration, guilt, and fear. It is important that families communicate in an open, respectful, and nonjudgmental way. Avoid blaming or lecturing the person in recovery. Use “I” statements such as, “I feel worried when I see you struggling” rather than “You” statements such as “You are always drinking”.

• Have times set aside throughout the course of treatment for check-ins where everyone can share their feelings and concerns.
  

Professional Treatment

Evidenced-based care is one of the most successful ways for recovery. Evidenced- based care may include Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery. Behavioral therapies (like cognitive-behavioral therapy) to build coping skills. Medication-assisted treatment (such as naltrexone or acamprosate) to reduce cravings.

If your loved one resists treatment, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist or counselor for advice on how to approach the conversation. Family members can gently encourage treatment, attend therapy sessions when they are invited. 

Healthy Boundaries

You can support you loved one in recovery and still have boundaries in place to protect yourself and the individual that is recovering. This could mean, not providing alcohol, not allowing the family member to drink in your home. Also set limits on how involved you are to protect your own mental health and emotional health. Schedule time for your own hobbies, friendships, and therapy if needed. Caring for yourself sets a positive example and strengthens your ability to provide support.

Sober-Friendly Environment

Invite your loved one to alcohol free environments. Keep them engaged in fun activities that do not involve alcohol. When in your home provide them with non-alcoholic beverages. Remind them that good times can be had even when no alcohol is involved.

Self-Care and Wellness

Recovery is not only about avoiding alcohol It’s also about building a fulfilling, healthy life. Encourage your family member to practice self-care. Remind them to get restful sleep, exercise and eat health. You can even join them in incorporating activities such as yoga, mindfulness, and journaling into the daily routine.

• Family exercise activities are not only good for the person in recovery. It provides the family an opportunity to spend time together and helps each member to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Allow Your Loved One to Control the Process

Encourage participation in treatment, therapy, or support groups, but avoid forcing it. Allow the family member to make decisions surrounding care. Be there to support them. 

Patience is a Key Factor in Recovery, It is an Ongoing Process

Recovery is typically an ongoing process that may encounter some setbacks. When your loved one has a relapse remember it is not only discouraging for you but discouraging for them. Remind them that this does not mean they have failed. Your response should convey compassion, encouragement to re-engagement in treatment, and reminder that recovery is still possible.

Supporting a loved one through recovery from alcohol use disorder can be both demanding and deeply meaningful. Families who take the time to learn about the condition, establish healthy boundaries, encourage professional treatment, and foster open communication can play a pivotal role in promoting long-term healing. Equally important, family members must prioritize their own well-being to sustain their ability to provide support. Recovery is not an individual challenge it is a shared process marked by resilience, personal growth, and renewed hope.