Helping someone who is struggling with alcohol use disorders

April is Alcohol Awareness Month — a time to increase understanding about alcohol use, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek help when drinking begins to affect health, relationships, or daily life. The goal of Alcohol Awareness Month is to educate communities about the risks of alcohol misuse and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.

Alcohol use disorder can affect anyone. Often, the signs appear gradually, which can make it difficult to recognize when casual drinking has become something more serious. Knowing what to watch for — and how to help — can make a meaningful difference.

Signs of a Possible Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol misuse doesn’t always look the same. Some people drink daily, while others binge occasionally but experience serious consequences. Common warning signs include:

• Drinking more or longer than intended
• Trying to cut back but being unable to
• Spending significant time drinking or recovering from drinking
• Strong cravings or urges to drink
• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
• Continuing to drink despite relationship problems
• Giving up activities once enjoyed
• Drinking in risky situations (like driving)
• Increased tolerance (needing more alcohol for the same effect)
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, or irritability

These signs may develop slowly, and someone experiencing them may not realize their drinking has become a problem.

How to Help a Friend Who May Be in Trouble

Starting a conversation about alcohol use can feel uncomfortable, but it can also be lifesaving. Here are a few helpful approaches:

1. Choose the right time
Talk when your friend is sober and when you both have privacy and time to talk.

2. Lead with concern, not judgment
Use “I” statements like:

• “I’ve noticed you seem stressed and drinking more.”
• “I’m worried about you.”

3. Be specific about what you’ve seen
Mention changes in behavior, missed commitments, or safety concerns.

4. Listen more than you talk
Give your friend space to share. Avoid arguing or trying to “fix” everything.

5. Offer support — not ultimatums
Let them know you’re willing to help them find resources or go with them to an appointment.

6. Encourage professional help
Recovery often starts with talking to a counselor, peer support group, or treatment provider.

Even if your friend isn’t ready to change, your support can reduce isolation and plant the seed for future help.

Local Help is Available

The Mental Health Recovery Board Serving Warren and Clinton Counties contracts with local provider agencies that offer counseling, addiction treatment, and recovery support. These agencies can help individuals and families take the first step toward recovery.

You can contact:

• Access Counseling Service — (513) 649-8008
• Butler Behavioral Health Services — (513) 896-7887
• Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services — (513) 228-7800 (Lebanon), (937) 383-4441 (Wilmington)
• Talbert House — (513) 932-4337 (Lebanon), (513) 723-0883 (Franklin), (937) 414-2016 (Wilmington)
• Women’s Recovery Center — (937) 562-2400

You can also start by reaching out to:

• Mental Health Recovery Board Serving Warren & Clinton Counties
• Call 988 or (877) 695-6333 for immediate support.

You Don’t Have to Wait

Alcohol Awareness Month is a reminder that help is available — and recovery is possible. Whether you’re concerned about your own drinking or worried about someone you care about, reaching out is a powerful first step.

Visit mhrbwcc.org/find-help to connect with local resources and take the next step toward support and recovery.