It's incredibly difficult to watch a friend, family member, partner, or even colleague struggle with alcohol use disorder. You'll find yourself wondering what you can do to help, and whether or not they'll even want you involved. Someone with a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol can be tricky to reason with, which is why you need to know certain things before you even attempt a conversation. And in case you're stuck on the part of whether you should get involved or if it's too early, know this: early treatment and intervention is proven to help.
But the help doesn't end there. In fact, that's only the beginning. The road to recovery ultimately has to be of their own accord, but you can most definitely offer support along the way. There are certain things you should and shouldn't do—some of which may feel contradictory to your instinct—to help someone acknowledge their addiction, get help, and make it through the withdrawal phase. Click through to find out more.