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How to Cope

• > Does my loved one need help?
• > What kind of help is there?
• > Where can I find help?
• > What are the health implications of alcohol?
• > What do I need to learn about Alcohol Dependence?
• > What can I do to help?
• > How to cope.
• > Friends & Family Discussion Community

Alcohol dependence affects the entire family. Often all of the focus is on the person with the dependence, but the entire family is impacted as well. Helping the family cope with the consequences of alcohol dependence is essential in maintaining or reestablishing a healthy family unit. Fear, guilt, shame, frustration, anger and embarrassment are all normal emotions that are better to be dealt with than to be ignored.

Fortunately, there are a number of resources available to the loved ones of the alcohol dependent. There is one-on-one therapy, live support meetings and online support forums. All help in a different way, and learning about each one will help you determine which is best for you and your family.

Support groups or forums are free and available to nearly everyone. These avenues of peer support allow you to converse with others with similar experiences. Sometimes just talking with someone who has been through a similar circumstance – successfully – can be both helpful and supportive, and, importantly, provide hope and inspiration for those still in the process.

Online Support for Friends and Family

Al-Anon