Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions related to alcohol problems.

Q: Isn't it mainly working class and low-income families that experience alcohol problems?

A: No. Alcohol problems occur in families of all economic and educational backgrounds as well as racial and cultural backgrounds. However, certain groups do have a somewhat higher risk for alcohol problems.

Q: Could a family member or friend I see every day have an alcohol problem if I do not see him or her drinking much?

A: Yes. A person does not have to drink every day to have an alcohol problem. Some alcoholics just binge on weekends or several times a month. It is common for people with alcohol problems to hide their drinking and its consequences.

Q: What are some examples of enabling behavior?

A:

• Lying to other people about the person’s drinking.

• Giving excuses for problems caused by the person’s drinking.

• Accepting the person’s excuses in order to avoid conflict.

• Taking care of the person’s responsibilities, such as financial responsibilities.

• Getting the person out of financial or legal problems.

Q: How important is it for the drinker to be committed to treatment and recovery?

A: Motivation and commitment are essential in helping someone seek treatment, follow through with it, and maintain abstinence or other necessary changes in his or her drinking patterns over the long term.

Q: Can treatment be useful if it is not voluntary?

A: Yes. Sanctions or rewards in the family, work setting, or criminal justice system can increase motivation to change, entry into treatment, and success of results.

Q: What are some ways a specialist in alcohol problems or another mental health professional can be helpful?

A:

• Help you figure out whether a family member or friend may have an alcohol problem.

• Help you figure out how to talk with the drinker and give advice and support in planning an intervention.

• Attend an intervention if needed, for example if the drinker has a history of mental illness or violence.

• Help you cope with the difficulties and stress of having a family member or friend with an alcohol problem.

Q: What if an intervention fails?

A: An intervention cannot fail. Even if the alcoholic person does not seek treatment, everyone involved in the intervention has some new awareness. After an intervention, it is harder for anyone to retreat into denial. A second or third intervention may then be more likely to succeed in getting the alcoholic person to accept treatment because his or her defenses were probably weakened by the first intervention.