• The decision to offer support to someone you know who is struggling with alcohol or to distance yourself is a personal one.

    Know that you are not the only one going through it and there are very many Kenyan families confronting the same reality silently.

    Alcohol addiction affects all classes, all tribes, all religions, all races and all nationalities. You are not alone.

  • Many people successfully quit alcohol permanently.

    We only hear of the negative stories but there are very many positive ones too.

    It is very individualized. Unfortunately, it may take time for some to get to this point and similarly there are others who will get here faster.

    It is possible.

  • Arm yourself with knowledge about alcohol and its effects.

    With your knowledge you can offer support to other family members and friends who are affected .You can also help the person struggling with alcohol.

    We shy away from discussing our problems but knowledge can help us tackle some of them.

    Alcohol is advertised boldly in the streets. You don’t need to be affected by alcohol to learn about it.

    Your neighbor's problem will be yours tomorrow. Seek knowledge.

    Learn about the process of quitting.

    See what you can do to help someone quit and what to do if one relapses.

    Learn where to get support.

  • If someone is struggling to QUIT, encouragement and support is what they need.

    Offer transport to AA meetings or offer to attend with them while they are trying to quit.

    Learn about the warning signs of a relapse so you can help them to avoid one.

    Don’t criticize them if they relapse after quitting.

    Without blame, you can express your concerns and encourage them to try again.

    Think about it. They would not be trying if they wanted to fail. Failure can happen even despite our best efforts. So do not make the feeling worse.

    Celebrate their abstinence with positive remarks and deeds.

    Not every relapse needs rehab. If its a minor or early relapse you can encourage them to use support groups like AA and try to help them manage what triggered this episode.

    If its a full blown relapse with old habits, they may benefit from rehabilitation.

    Most rehabilitation facilities are relatively costly for many Kenyans and so make sure to shop around for options that suit your financial situation.

    Also, know there maybe an option of outpatient rehab which maybe less expensive.

  • If you decide to offer support you need to be aware that it will have ups and downs.

    Remember that some moments will be extremely frustrating and you will need your own personal support.

    Recovering from alcohol misuse may take long and relapses do happen.

    Know available treatments.

    Circumstances vary. If you are in an abusive marriage/relationship, driven by alcohol, you may need to seriously consider separation.

    There is no shame in it. You would rather be alive for your loved ones.

  • Draw the line.

    Do not blame other people for your loved ones drinking habits.

    Many of us choose to blame other people including ourselves rather than accepting the situation for what it is.

    Remember alcohol is still a drug and therefore anyone can end up addicted to it even after socially trying it with harmless intention.

    Don’t bail them out of financial or legal problems related to alcohol.

    Don’t make excuses for them if they miss work or school or social events because of alcohol.

    You can inform them that you won’t live with them or allow them to live with you if they continue to consume alcohol.

    You can choose not to pay their bills if they refuse to stop .

    If you are a friend, you should be very honest.

    Many people don’t tell the truth because they are afraid or feel it is not their problem, but HONESTY IS KEY.

    DO NOT support a friend to an early death by being silent.

  • Worrying about someone struggling with addiction does NOT fix it.

    A decision to quit is a difficult but personal decision that you can only support.

    Make sure you are sleeping and eating appropriately.

    Continue enjoying your hobbies and passion.

    Keep exercising.

    Attend AA for support for yourself.

    At AA you will meet other people who are living with people who are actively misusing alcohol or formerly addicted to alcohol and you can exchange ideas that can help yourself and your loved one in their journey.