More and more people are realising that their relationship with alcohol isn’t quite as it should be and are looking to give it up as a result.
There’s been a real shift in sentiment towards the hard stuff in recent years, with many Gen Zers shunning it all together, while Millenials and older generations are realising the impact it’s having on their lives. In fact, a report by ITV in recent years interviewed the founder of the Sober Girl Society, in which Millie Gooch stated, “there’s not one part of my life that hasn’t improved by not drinking.”
Giving up alcohol isn’t easy though and it requires a lot of support for those that are heavy or persistent drinkers. But that’s where you can come in.
If you have a loved one who is struggling with alcohol and wants to give up, being part of that journey is key, and it all starts with the detox. Here’s all you need to know about aiding them through that…
Encourage Medical Supervision
For anyone withdrawing from alcohol, getting help from professionals is always advised. A medical detox can be dangerous, particularly for those who have been drinking heavily over a sustained period of time.
Seizures, delirium tremens and severe dehydration can occur, while there are milder symptoms too like nausea, shaking and sweating.
Encourage your loved one to reach out for support from a GP, addiction specialist or by checking into rehab centres UK to detox under supervision. This can help with monitoring of withdrawal symptoms and ensuring they are safe every step of the way.
Create a Safe and Calm Environment
Going through the detox process can be incredibly uncomfortable and as a result stress levels can rise. That’s why providing a calm, stable and safe environment is really important.
It goes without saying, but remove all alcohol from the home, limit access to triggers and keep the space they are living in well-lit and tidy. Ensure plenty of water and healthy snacks are also available to keep those energy levels up during the process.
What’s more, minimise anything that could prove stressful, from certain visitors to loud noises – essentially anything that could cause unnecessary stress.
Offer Emotional Support and Encouragement
Detoxing is a demanding and taxing journey, both physically and mentally. It can be so draining and going through it a person will experience everything from mood swings and irritability to frustration and helplessness.
Be that rock for them. Offer consistent emotional support and listen to them without judgement. Acknowledge their thoughts, be patient with them and validate their feelings. Celebrate milestones and provide them with the positive reinforcement and motivation they need to get through it.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Supporting your loved one through detox also involves promoting behaviours that support both physical and mental wellbeing. Encourage regular hydration, light exercise (if medically safe), and balanced nutrition to help the body recover.
Gentle activities such as short walks, stretching, or deep-breathing exercises can reduce stress and improve mood. Additionally, supporting your loved one in developing coping strategies, like journaling, meditation, or listening to music, can help them manage cravings and emotional turbulence during this challenging period.
Be Prepared for Cravings and Relapse Risk
Finally, it isn’t always going to go to plan. There will be ups and downs and there is always a risk of relapse. That is perfectly normal. Cravings are part and parcel of alcohol detox, and they can be intense too.
Being prepared means understanding that your loved one may experience strong urges to drink even after a few days of sobriety. Encourage them to use coping strategies, such as distraction, mindfulness, or reaching out to support networks. If relapse occurs, avoid shame or punishment, as these reactions can worsen guilt and undermine progress. Instead, focus on reinforcing the long-term goal of recovery and identifying what triggered the setback.
Understanding that relapse can be part of the journey helps both you and your loved one respond constructively, getting back on the right path and towards a happier and healthier future.
