How to Help a Friend Get Rid of Alcohol Addiction

It was so shocking when I found out that one of my closest friends, Rakib, is addicted to alcohol. But shortly, I can not react or take any action as I needed to find out in which state he is now and if he is really ready to take my advice or if some bold actions need to be taken against him.

Let’s find out first how I can become so sure about Rakib’s addiction. This may help others as well.?

Signs & Symptoms of an Alcohol Addict Person

Being a childhood friend of Rakib, I can say that Rakib was not like this before. So, he must be in the first phase and yet have not got the disorder.?

After a ton of research, I found some warning signs of an alcohol addict. And these are-

• Changes in behavior- that means he gets aggressive in silly matters.
• He doesn’t want to spend time with our friend circle.
• Sometimes, his eye and nose seem reddish. Small blood vessels on the face can be recognized.
• LIkes to attend parties, even bunking the admission coaching classes.

If these match Rakib’s behavior, we need to be 100% sure that he is an alcohol addict.

Talking to an Addict Person about His State or Problems!

As soon as I doubted Rakib, I started researching on Google these facts. And then I came across the term’ Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)’, also known as alcoholism. So, I got afraid and wondered if Rakib had the disorder, too.?

Talking to an addicted person is not that easy, especially when the person is your close one. And I felt the same.?

However, for the betterment of my friend, I have to have the courage. For this, I can’t directly ask him about his drinking. It’s not like he grew up in such an environment that he can quickly get access to such alcohol. On top of that, he belongs to a well-educated Muslim family where his family loves and takes care of him a lot.?

So, there must be other reasons standing behind that dragged him into this.?

At first, I have to get close to him to know about his problems or anything that he cannot share with others. Then, gradually, I can go for any bold step.?

Further Step- Informing His Families!!

According to Research Gate reports,?

Around 44.7% of 25-34 age range people suffer from AUD in Bangladesh.?

And this report pinch me highly that it is high time we stopped Rakib. If not now, it can’t be ever. But what is the best way to inform Rakib’s family about this problem? I can’t directly go and say this to his family. And his family might get in bigger trauma than I felt.?

So, I need to make their family sit together and make them understand Rakib’s situation. In such cases, I can’t let the family react much. This can lead to a disaster, and Rakib might take any bold action.

So, whatever can be done, I need to make sure his family understands the problems and help Rakib to get out of this situation. And we can’t force or scold him now- and his family needs to understand this.

Finally, Helping to Give Up the Addiction

When his family knows and understands this, we, together, can help him get rid of the situation. And everything is possible if anyone tries with diligence.?

The first thing we have to start with is changing the environment. If it seems that Rakib can’t help himself, can’t be able to try himself, we can take the help of any doctor or rehabilitation center.??

These things take time but there can be a hope, at least. And what if one life can be saved!!