Watch Susan Laurie, Training Manager and Lived Experience Expert at Alcohol Change UK, as she takes you through some of the things you can do to help yourself prepare for opening up to someone about your drinking.
Opening up to someone about your alcohol use
If you’re worried about your alcohol use, opening up to someone about how you’re feeling can be one of the bravest things you can do. It can also be the start of a process of positive change.
Video: How to open up to someone about your alcohol use
How to get started
1. Take time to reflect and prepare some notes
It can be helpful to write down some notes or prompts about the difficulties you’re experiencing in advance - this can help you if it feels hard to open up during the moment.
Think about what you hope to get from the conversation before it begins. What do you want the next steps to be, and what do you want to change?
2. Pick the right time
Pick the right time for what’s likely to be an emotional conversation. Try to find a time when you’re both sober and feeling calm.
3. Choose a safe, private space
Choose a comfortable, private space for the conversation where you feel safe to speak freely, and where you won’t be interrupted.
4. Be open and honest
Being open and honest about what you’re experiencing can really help the person you’re confiding in better understand what you’re going through and why you might need some support.
Talk about when and why your alcohol use became a struggle - whether due to stress, relationships, or life events.
It’s also important to recognise that it’s no-one’s fault. Alcohol problems can affect any one of us, at any age, at any time in our lives.
5. Be patient and kind to yourself and others
Opening up about your alcohol use can bring up a lot of emotions but being patient and kind with yourself and others will go a long way. It’s okay if the conversation feels heavy or uncomfortable. But if it becomes overwhelming, the best thing you can do is take a pause, and revisit the discussion when you're both feeling ready.
Remember, making a change is a process, and every step forward counts. And with the right support and encouragement, you can live a better, healthier life.
If you're worried about your drinking, speak to someone close to you and contact your GP or local alcohol service and get the support you deserve.
Warning!
People who are clinically alcohol dependent can die if they suddenly, completely stop drinking.
If you experience fits, shaking hands, sweating, seeing things that are not real, depression, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping after a period of drinking and while sobering up, then you may be clinically alcohol dependent and should NOT suddenly, completely stop drinking.
But you can still take control of your drinking. Talk to a GP or your local community alcohol service who will be able to get help for you to reduce your drinking safely. Find out more.