DO'S AND DONT'S FOR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS
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For families and friends of a person struggling with alcoholism and addiction, follow some of the following pointers when dealing with the disease.
DO
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DON'T
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 talk to someone who understands alcoholism and other drug addictions |
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preach and lecture to the alcoholic or addict |
| learn the facts about alcoholism/addiction |
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make excuses for the alcoholic/addict |
| develop an attitude to match the facts |
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make threats you won't carry out |
| go to Al-Anon and/or seek professional help |
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believe that you are the cause of the other person's alcoholism and/or other drug addiction |
| learn about yourself, your needs, desires, reactions and behavior patterns |
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suffer for the alcoholic or addict |
| maintain a healthy and consistent atmosphere in your home as much as possible |
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protect the alcoholic from alcohol or drinking situations whether drinking/using or in a program of recovery |
| take care of your needs and let the alcoholic/addict take care of his/her needs |
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make an issue over the alcoholic's/addict's choice of treatment. Like you, he/she has the right to choose what he/she wants |
| share your knowledge with others |
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rescue - let the alcoholic/addict clear up his/her own mistakes and assume the responsibility for the consequences of his/her drinking/using behavior |
| be committed to your own growth, health, and life goals - be constructively self-caring |
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National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Addictions--Bay Area
944 Market St., 3rd Fl., San Francisco, CA 94102
Tel: 415-296-9900 FAX: 415-296-0626 TDD: 415-296-1108
Email: info@ncadaba.com
Click here for directions to our San Francisco Office