It’s not always easy to talk openly and honestly, especially not about yourself. But generally, when people do open up, they feel better afterward. It’s no different when it comes to talking about your drinking. Opening up about your alcohol problem with others will be a valuable step toward achieving sobriety because you won’t feel alone. Loneliness is a major trigger for drinking.
Addiction is a disease like any other, and it takes a team of people to fight it. Talking about your drinking with loved ones creates part of that team. We can offer some tips as to how to start talking about drinking, and we can explain why it’s important, but you must experience it yourself to fully understand.
Every Talk is a Victory
There is no standard way to approach talking about your drinking. However, every time you do is a win because you’re being honest and building trust in the process. It’s been said that identifying the problem is half of the solution. Well, in talking about your addiction, you come closer to identifying the true problem. Very few substance abusers are completely stable and mentally healthy. Talking helps bring light to the root of the issues causing you to want to drink.
Don’t Hold Back
It might feel awkward being completely honest about your drinking, especially if who you’re talking to doesn’t know. But don’t hold back. If you’re not honest, then those you speak with won’t know the scope of the problem and won’t be able to help as much. Maybe you feel hesitant, even embarrassed. That’s ok! A few minutes of feeling awkward might save your life.
Have no Expectations
Don’t play the conversation out in your head a million times. A single outcome of a conversation matters much less than the fact you’ve opened up. It is important, however, to consider your audience. Make sure that whoever you talk to has the perspective to fully hear you out.
It may take several talks for you to get your point across. Don’t give up. Just don’t have any expectations. People all handle things differently. It’s just important to be honest with your loved ones. Also don’t take it personally if you receive any negative reactions to your honesty. This is part of having no expectations. The only thing you should expect is active listening.
Gather in a Group
If you find there are multiple people you want to address about your drinking, form a meeting. Sometimes talking to a group can make it easier to be honest because it feels a little less personal and little more conversational. In other words, it might take some pressure off. Plus, you’ll be able to talk to multiple people at once which can be beneficial for people who find it hard to talk in general.
Recognize the Wrong Audience
You may find that whoever you’re talking to isn’t being supportive. In that case, it’s recommended to move along to someone else. Never take negativity personally, but still it’s critical to make sure your audience is in tune with you and your issue. People who are dismissive, mean, disinterested, or in any other way non-supportive are simply not good audiences for your openness.
Other Tips
- Talk in a quiet and comfortable place. This will limit distractions as well as provide safety.
- Start off by stating your concern and that you need help. This should grab attention.
- Make sure the person is ready to hear what you have to say, or at least prepared for some possibly off-putting news.
- Express yourself using “I” statements often. This drives home the fact that it’s personal for you and that you need someone to listen.
- Allow your audience time to react and listen to what he/she/they have to say.
- Make sure you have ample time to talk. A ten-minute convo might not cut it.
A Final Word
Being open and honest with you loved ones is a critical step toward sobriety. However, it’s equally as important to speak with a professional about your drinking. As much as family and friends care about you and love you, professional substance abuse treatment is a must for problematic drinkers. Call the National Rehab Hotline now to speak with one of our trained specialists, we have a designated hotline for our alcohol so don’t hesitate to call. The call is free, anonymous, and can be made anytime.