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Early intervention can prevent a full-blown opioid use disorder. It might start with a conversation with a doctor, a call to a treatment center Early intervention can prevent a full-blown opioid use disorder. It might start with a conversation with a doctor, a call to a treatment center

How To Help An Alcoholic Family Member

Written by Jacob on July 8, 2025. Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Family, Support.

Watching a loved one struggle with alcoholism can leave you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and unsure of how to help. You may ask yourself: “Am I doing enough?” or “What if I make things worse?”

At Tulip Hill Recovery in Murfreesboro, TN, we know how challenging it is to support someone with alcohol addiction. This guide will walk you through practical steps, warning signs, and resources to help your loved one—while also caring for yourself.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic brain disease marked by compulsive drinking, loss of control over alcohol use, and negative emotional states when not drinking.

In 2025, approximately 30 million Americans struggle with AUD, according to updated CDC data. Recognizing alcoholism as a disease—not a choice—can help you approach your loved one with empathy.

Signs Your Family Member May Be Struggling

You might suspect your loved one is battling alcohol addiction, but how can you be sure? Common red flags include:

Drinking alone or in secret
Denying or lying about drinking habits
Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
Experiencing legal or financial issues due to drinking
Withdrawal symptoms like sweating, shaking, or irritability
Increased tolerance—needing more alcohol to feel the same effects

If you notice these patterns, it’s time to act.

5 Steps to Help an Alcoholic Family Member

1️⃣ Educate Yourself About Alcoholism

Knowledge is power. Learn about:

How alcohol changes the brain’s chemistry
The risks of withdrawal without medical supervision
Treatment options available in 2025

Understanding the science of addiction can reduce anger or frustration and help you offer compassionate support.

2️⃣ Communicate Without Judgment

Choose a calm, private time to express your concerns. Use “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory:

“I’ve noticed you’ve been drinking more lately, and I’m worried about your health.”

Avoid shaming or blaming language. Keep the conversation supportive and open-ended.

3️⃣ Set Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries protect both you and your loved one. Examples include:
✅ Refusing to provide money or shelter if it enables drinking
✅ Declining to cover up for missed work or legal problems
✅ Prioritizing your own mental health by saying no when needed

Remember: setting boundaries isn’t punishment—it’s an act of love.

4️⃣ Encourage Professional Help

Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. A medical detox program like the one at Tulip Hill Recovery ensures a safe, supervised environment for your loved one to begin healing.

Tulip Hill offers:

24/7 medical care during detox
Residential treatment for ongoing support
Family programs to heal relationships and build healthier dynamics

5️⃣ Take Care of Yourself

Supporting an alcoholic loved one is emotionally taxing. Protect your own well-being by:
? Joining family support groups (like Al-Anon)
? Seeing a therapist to process your feelings
? Practicing self-care through exercise, hobbies, and rest

You cannot pour from an empty cup.

What If They Refuse Help?

It’s heartbreaking when a loved one denies they need treatment. In some cases, a professional intervention may be necessary. Tulip Hill Recovery can help connect you with experienced interventionists who know how to approach these delicate situations.

Healing Is Possible—for Them and You

Addiction doesn’t just affect the person drinking—it impacts the entire family. At Tulip Hill Recovery, we believe recovery is a family journey.

Do Marriages Last After Rehab?

Written by Jacob on May 20, 2025. Posted in Family, Healthy Tips, Recovery.

Addiction has the power to erode the foundation of even the strongest marriages. When substance use takes hold, it often brings with it a series of painful consequences. Trust, once broken by lies or secrecy, becomes difficult to rebuild. Financial stressors, such as job loss or mounting legal expenses, add additional pressure to an already fragile dynamic. Emotional intimacy fades as one partner feels neglected, while the other becomes consumed by their addiction. In many cases, verbal conflicts escalate, and sadly, instances of physical confrontation may also arise.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance abuse increases the likelihood of divorce by up to 40–60%, particularly when addiction goes untreated. This sobering statistic highlights the urgency of addressing the issue. While these challenges can leave spouses feeling isolated, resentful, or hopeless, the path toward healing does exist—and many couples have walked it together.

Can a Marriage Survive Rehab?

Despite the damage caused by addiction, many relationships not only survive rehab but emerge stronger on the other side. The road to recovery, however, is far from simple. It requires consistent effort, patience, and a shared commitment to change. Both individuals in the relationship must engage in the process—not just the one undergoing treatment.

Dr. Rachel Stein, a licensed marriage and family therapist, notes, “Rebuilding a relationship after addiction is like learning a new language—you must unlearn old patterns and listen with intent.”

During rehab, couples may be physically separated, which can be unsettling. This time apart, though, is often essential for reflection, healing, and rediscovering individual identities. With mutual dedication, that space can create a stronger bond built on healthier habits and renewed trust.

Relationship Challenges After Rehab

The journey doesn’t end with the completion of a rehab program. In fact, the period following treatment can present some of the most intense relationship challenges. Rebuilding trust is a slow and deliberate process, demanding consistency and transparency. Communication must evolve from defensive or accusatory exchanges to open, nonjudgmental dialogue.

Fear of relapse can weigh heavily on both partners, particularly the one who stood by throughout the addiction. Navigating these fears while offering support requires balance. Additionally, couples often face a shift in their relationship dynamic. The roles they once played may no longer fit, leading to discomfort and uncertainty. Yet with time and therapeutic guidance, new patterns can emerge.

The Role of Couples and Family Therapy

Couples therapy plays a crucial role in post-rehab recovery. Through guided counseling sessions, partners learn to rebuild communication, set healthy boundaries, and confront unresolved tensions. Family therapy offers a broader lens, addressing how addiction impacted the entire family unit, not just the marriage.

Support groups, such as Al-Anon, offer a vital resource for spouses. These spaces provide emotional support and shared experiences, reinforcing the understanding that no one is alone in this struggle.

At Tulip Hill Recovery, we believe healing addiction is a family journey. Our approach integrates loved ones into the recovery process to help rebuild not just the individual, but the relationships that surround them.

Learn more about our family therapy services.

Strengthening the Relationship After Rehab

In the aftermath of treatment, couples can take deliberate steps to fortify their bond. Regular joint therapy sessions allow both partners to continue working through emotional wounds and foster understanding. Establishing clear boundaries helps manage expectations and prevent misunderstandings.

Celebrating even the smallest milestones reminds each partner of how far they’ve come. Patience is essential. Emotional healing cannot be rushed, and some days will feel harder than others. Above all, maintaining open lines of communication builds a space where both individuals feel heard and supported.

Knowing When It’s Time to Let Go

While many marriages can recover, not all are meant to continue. There are times when letting go becomes the most compassionate option—especially in cases of repeated relapse, abuse, or persistent emotional neglect. Choosing to leave does not signify failure; rather, it reflects a decision to prioritize safety and peace.

If you are experiencing domestic violence or feel unsafe, consult a professional and create a safety plan. You deserve a relationship that fosters your growth and well-being.

Support from Tulip Hill Recovery

At Tulip Hill Recovery, we understand how profoundly addiction affects not only individuals but also the relationships they hold dear. Our comprehensive treatment programs in Murfreesboro, TN, include individual therapy, family counseling, and relapse prevention tools to promote lasting recovery.

If you and your partner are seeking a path forward, or if you’re supporting a loved one through this process, we are here to help you rebuild, renew, and recover.

Explore our full range of treatment options for individuals and families.

Call us today at 629-201-2726 to learn more about our evidence-based treatment programs.

Source References

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Substance use and relationship breakdown. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/

Stein, R. (2024). Personal communication, licensed marriage and family therapist.

Tulip Hill Recovery. (2025). What we offer: Family therapy. Retrieved from 1blog/2

Al-Anon Family Groups. (2025). Help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics. Retrieved from https://al-anon.org/

The National Domestic Violence Hotline. (2025). Safety planning. Retrieved from 1blog/2sources/domestic-violence-safety-planning/

the text enable and a partial definition the text enable and a partial definition

Signs of Enabling Someone’s Addiction

Written by Jacob on March 15, 2024. Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Cocaine Addiction, Detox, Drug Addiction, Family, Mental Health, Substance Addiction, Support.

Enabling someone’s addiction is a common trap that loved ones often fall into, unknowingly worsening the individual’s substance abuse issues. Understanding the signs of enabling behavior is essential for breaking this harmful practice.

It helps provide effective support for someone struggling with addiction. Individuals can begin to address their enabling tendencies by recognizing the signs of enabling. Additionally, they can take steps towards healthier boundaries and interventions.

Defining Enabling

Enabling refers to the act of inadvertently or unintentionally supporting someone’s addiction. In doing this, they allow someone’s behavior to shield them from the consequences of their actions. This may involve minimizing the severity of their problem or making excuses for them.

Additionally, it can mean providing financial support for their addiction, or denying that a problem even exists. Enabling can ultimately hinder an individual’s ability to confront their alcohol and substance use issues and seek help.

Enabling Versus Being Supportive

Enabling and being supportive may seem similar, but they have key differences in their impact on individuals struggling with addiction. It also involves behaviors that excuse or enable the addictive behavior. On the other hand, being supportive involves offering emotional encouragement, understanding, and guidance without enabling destructive behaviors.

Supporting someone with an addiction means encouraging them to seek help. A loved one can practice setting boundaries, holding the person accountable for their actions, and practicing compassion. Being supportive can also help someone take the initial steps to start their recovery journey. Support helps them take responsibility for their addictive behaviors and choose to seek treatment.

Enabling Someone’s Addiction: Lack of Boundaries

Enabling someone’s addiction often involves a lack of boundaries. When there are no clear boundaries set for someone struggling with addiction, it leads to enabling their addiction. Additionally, a lack of boundaries can prevent individuals from facing the consequences of their actions. Thus hindering their motivation to seek help.

Establishing healthy boundaries is crucial in supporting someone with an addiction while also protecting one’s well-being. Setting limits on what one is willing to tolerate and being firm in enforcing those boundaries can help break the cycle of enabling behavior. This encourages the individual to take responsibility and get treatment.

Enabling Someone’s Addiction: Making Excuses for Them

Enabling often involves making excuses for their behavior. This can include justifying or rationalizing their actions, covering up for their mistakes, or protecting them from facing the consequences of their addictive behavior.

Making excuses prevents the individual from realizing the severity of their problem and seeking help. Instead, by holding the person accountable for their choices, loved ones can encourage them to confront their addiction.

Enabling Someone’s Addiction: Giving Them Money

Enabling someone’s addiction can also manifest in giving them money to support their alcohol and substance use habits. Financially supporting someone’s addiction is detrimental as it enables them to continue their destructive behavior without facing any consequences of their actions.

Providing money may temporarily alleviate the challenges loved ones face when a family member struggles with addiction. However, it will prolong and worsen their addiction. Instead of giving them money, offering resources or assistance for treatment and rehab programs is more beneficial to help the individual realize they need help to overcome their addiction.

Supporting Someone’s Addiction: Helping Someone Attend Rehab

Supporting someone’s addiction involves helping and encouraging them to attend rehab, seek treatment, and make positive changes in their life. This type of support is different from enabling because it focuses on empowering the individual to address their addiction issues and start recovery.

By providing emotional support or financial resources to access treatment programs, loved ones can play a valuable role in guiding the individual and encouraging them to get help.

Supporting Someone’s Addiction: Staging an Intervention

Supporting someone’s addiction through staging an intervention, with help from a professional interventionist, can be a powerful way to encourage them to seek help and make positive changes in their life. An intervention involves gathering loved ones to express concerns, share observations of the individual’s behavior, and offer support.

Family and friends can also show their love and concern while setting clear boundaries and expectations for the individual to address their addictive behaviors. Interventions are structured conversations to motivate the person struggling with addiction to seek professional help and start rehab.

Supporting Someone’s Addiction: Family Therapy

Family therapy can be an essential form of support for someone struggling with addiction. Supporting someone’s addiction through family therapy involves involving the entire family in the treatment process to address and work through underlying issues that may be contributing to the addictive behavior.

Family therapy helps improve communication, understanding, and healing and promotes healthier relationships within the family. By participating in therapy sessions together, families can learn how to set boundaries, provide appropriate support, and create a more conducive environment for recovery. Family therapy also helps loved ones better understand addiction as a disease. They can then develop effective strategies for coping with challenges related to their loved one’s recovery journey.

Stop Enabling Someone’s Addiction with Help from Tulip Hill Today

When you want to know how to stop enabling someone’s addiction, help is available from Tulip Hill in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. We can assist in what you can do to encourage and support your loved one without enabling their addiction to help them realize they need help. Our experienced team works with you and your loved one to provide personalized, compassionate care in a safe and supportive environment.

man with an alcohol addiction clutches a beer with head down man with an alcohol addiction clutches a beer with head down

Is Alcohol Addiction Genetic?

Written by Jacob on May 12, 2023. Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Family, Recovery.

Genetics can play a role in whether someone develops various diseases, including alcohol addiction. However, genetics is just part of the equation and does not always result in someone becoming addicted. While there is an increased risk, other factors can also influence whether alcohol addiction is genetic.

Is Alcoholism Hereditary?

Yes, research shows that alcoholism can be hereditary. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), genetic factors account for about half of a person’s risk for developing alcohol use disorder. In addition, people with an immediate family member who has struggled with alcohol misuse are four times more likely to develop the condition themselves than those without such a family history.

Risk factors of hereditary alcoholism can include:

Having a parent, sibling, or other close relative who has or had alcoholism.
Growing up in an environment of alcohol misuse.
Having mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Being exposed to stressful life events that affect the family.

When someone you care about is struggling with alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to know what to do. However, it’s important to understand that there are ways you can help and support your loved one while they recover from their addiction. By learning how to help a loved one with alcohol addiction and providing compassionate guidance, you can create a safe environment for healing that empowers your loved one on the p

Call us now

Take the next step to your recovery.

629-201-2776

Nurture vs. Nature

Although there is a strong genetic component to hereditary alcoholism, it is important to remember that other factors, such as environment and lifestyle choices, can also play a role. For example, it’s possible for someone with no family history of alcohol misuse to struggle with the condition if they are exposed to certain environmental triggers or engage in risky behaviors. Conversely, those with an alcoholic parent may not develop the disorder even after prolonged exposure to such triggers.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors that can increase the risk of developing alcoholism. For example, growing up in an environment where alcohol use is condoned or encouraged. One could also be exposed to peer pressure and drinking culture. In addition, experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can lead to alcohol use as a coping mechanism.

Lifestyle Choices

Certain lifestyle choices and behaviors can also contribute to a person’s risk of developing alcoholism. These include:

Binge drinking regularly or excessively using alcohol as a coping mechanism for stressors such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Having unhealthy relationships with friends who misuse alcohol or drugs.

Mental Illness

Research suggests that certain mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, can increase a person’s risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD). It is believed that people may turn to alcohol as a means of self-medication in an effort to alleviate their symptoms.

Childhood Experiences

Studies have also shown that childhood experiences can influence a person’s risk of developing AUD. For instance, being exposed to or experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse by family members or friends. One could also be exposed to family conflict or domestic violence, leading to drinking. Furthermore, growing up in an environment where alcohol misuse is condoned or encouraged can influence one’s drinking habits and may seem normal to the child.

How Are Alcoholism and Mental Illness Related?

There is a strong link between alcohol misuse and mental illness. People who struggle with alcoholism may have underlying mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or trauma that must be addressed to improve their overall well-being.

Likewise, research suggests that people with certain mental illnesses may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism and form of self-medication in an effort to alleviate their symptoms. Therefore, it’s vital for those struggling with both conditions to seek professional help to receive the necessary treatment and support for each issue.

Alcoholism Risk Factors

Alcoholism is a complex disorder that can be influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. People who are at an increased risk for developing the condition include individuals with a family history of alcohol misuse, those exposed to certain environmental triggers or peer pressure, and those who engage in unhealthy behaviors such as binge drinking or using alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression may also increase the risk of developing alcoholism. Therefore, people with any of these risk factors need to be aware of their vulnerability so they can take steps to reduce their chances of developing the disorder.

Why Detox Is Needed for Alcoholism

Detoxification, or detox, is the process of clearing alcohol from a person’s body. It is an essential part of treatment for alcoholism and should always be performed under medical supervision in order to ensure safety and comfort. Detox helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms, manage cravings, and clear toxins from the body so that recovery can begin.

What Medications Can Be Used to Treat Alcoholism?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a type of treatment for alcoholism that involves the use of FDA-approved medications to help reduce alcohol cravings, prevent relapse, and assist in recovery. The most commonly used medications for treating alcohol addiction are disulfiram (Antabuse), naltrexone (Vivitrol), acamprosate (Campral), and buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone). These medications can be combined with therapy and support groups to provide comprehensive care for those struggling with alcoholism.

Alcohol Rehab in Murfreesboro, TN, at a Family-Run Facility

Alcoholism is a complex disorder that can be influenced by genetics and other factors. Anyone struggling with AUD can get the help and support they need at Tulip Hill Recovery in Murfreesboro, TN. Our family-run treatment center provides a caring, safe, and supportive environment to help you overcome your addiction. Start rehab today by contacting us now.

man with an alcohol addiction needs help from a loved one man with an alcohol addiction needs help from a loved one

How to Help a Loved One with an Alcohol Addiction

Written by Jacob on April 21, 2023. Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Family, Support.

How Alcohol Addiction Impacts the Family

Alcohol addiction can have a devastating impact on families. It can cause distress, conflict, financial hardship, and broken relationships. Families with an addicted member often feel overwhelmed by the situation and are sometimes unable to adequately provide support or help their loved one in recovery.

This can lead to feelings of guilt and powerlessness among family members who may be struggling to cope with the consequences of alcohol abuse. In addition, alcohol-related problems such as violence or criminal behavior may also affect families negatively. Alcoholism can result in serious physical health issues for both the individual suffering from addiction and those around them due to secondhand drinking effects or other health conditions caused by excessive alcohol use.

Call us now

Take the next step to your recovery.

629-201-2776

How to Help a Loved One with an Alcohol Addiction

The first step in helping a loved one with alcohol addiction is to be understanding and supportive. It is essential to let the person know that you are there for them, no matter what. The next step is to educate yourself about the disease of addiction and how it is affecting your loved one. Other things you can do to help your loved one include the following.

Setting Family Boundaries with a Loved One who has an Alcohol Dependency

Setting family boundaries with a loved one who is struggling with alcohol addiction can be difficult, but it is a crucial step in helping them to achieve sobriety. It is vital that everyone involved understands the expectations and limitations around drinking and substance use.

Family members should establish clear rules, and everyone should agree on the consequences of breaking these rules. Finally, family members should have regular conversations about their feelings and experiences related to their loved one’s addiction so that they can better understand each other’s perspectives and work together toward building a healthier family environment.

Being Prepared for Resistance

When helping a loved one with an alcohol addiction, it is essential to be prepared for resistance. Unfortunately, many people suffering from addiction are in denial and may not want to accept help or seek treatment.

It is important that family members remain patient and understanding while also setting limits on their involvement to avoid codependency or enabling behaviors. Additionally, if the person does not respond positively when offered support, it is best to take a step back and reevaluate the situation.

Avoiding Codependency and Enabling Behaviors

In order to help a loved one with alcohol addiction, family members need to avoid codependency and enabling behaviors. Codependency can occur when family members become too involved in the recovery process or try to “fix” their loved one’s problem instead of allowing them to take responsibility for their own recovery.

Enabling behavior happens when family members make excuses or provide financial assistance that allows an individual suffering from addiction to continue drinking without facing any consequences. Instead, it is best for family members to focus on providing emotional support while also setting healthy boundaries that encourage personal accountability and responsibility.

How to Have a Productive Conversation about Alcohol Addiction

Having a productive conversation about alcohol addiction can be difficult, but it is an important step in helping a loved one seek treatment. Before starting the conversation, it is vital to set aside time to talk and choose a comfortable setting where everyone can speak openly and honestly.

During the conversation, it is best to focus on expressing concern for your loved one’s health rather than simply pointing out their drinking problem. It is also helpful to listen more than you talk and try not to become defensive if they become upset or angry. Additionally, offer solutions such as attending counseling sessions or joining support groups so your loved one knows you are there for them and want them to get help. Finally, remember that recovery takes time and be prepared for setbacks along the way.

How an Intervention Could Help

In some cases, an intervention may be necessary to help a loved one with an alcohol addiction. An intervention is a structured process conducted by an interventionist along with family and friends. The individual suffering from addiction is confronted about their behavior and encouraged to seek treatment.

Interventions can be beneficial because they provide a safe space for everyone involved to express their feelings and experiences related to the problem without fear of judgment or rejection. Additionally, interventions can help individuals realize how their drinking has impacted those around them, which may encourage them to seek treatment or enter recovery.

Family-Run Aftercare Programs in Murfreesboro, TN

Helping a loved one with alcohol use disorder can be difficult. However, it is essential to remember recovery is possible at Tulip Hill Recovery in Murfreesboro, TN. Contact our family-run addiction treatment facility for further help and assistance today.