Alcohol misuse is a bigger issue than most people think. In the U.S., millions of people struggle with alcohol misuse, and according to insights from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, roughly 178,000 deaths are attributed to excessive alcohol use annually.1 If you’ve noticed that someone in your life seems to rely on alcohol more and more—maybe they’re skipping out on plans, their mood is all over the place, or they get stressed easily—it might be affecting you too. It can be hard to admit, but if their drinking is making you feel distant or causing problems in your relationship, it’s okay to seek help.
Along with affecting a host of factors in an individual’s life, alcohol can impact how people connect emotionally.2 When someone drinks too much, they might shut down, avoid talking about their feelings, or act defensively. You might find that important conversations about your feelings don’t happen anymore. This can make you feel like they don’t care or the relationship is slipping away. It’s tough, but acknowledging the lack of emotional connection is important. Talking openly and finding ways to set boundaries can help, but sometimes, you need extra support to figure out what to do next.
At Guardian Recovery, we know how alcohol misuse can impact not only the person drinking but also the people around them. If you’re struggling to handle someone’s drinking and how it’s impacting your relationship, we’re here to help. We can help you understand what’s happening and offer support for you and the person you care about. Reach out today, and let us help you find a way forward.
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Enhancing Emotional Communication in Therapy
Therapy is one of the best ways to rebuild emotional communication, especially after alcohol has caused distance in relationships. If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol addiction, here’s how therapy can help improve emotional communication and restore that connection:
- Individual Therapy
In one-on-one therapy, you’ll have a safe space to talk about what’s going on inside—things you might not feel comfortable sharing with others. A therapist can help you identify emotions you’ve been avoiding and teach you how to express them in a healthy way. For example, instead of bottling up feelings, you’ll learn how to say, “I’m feeling overwhelmed,” which can open the door to better communication with the people in your life. - Family Therapy
Alcohol doesn’t just affect the person drinking—it impacts everyone around them. In family therapy, you and your loved ones can come together to talk about how alcohol has affected your relationships. This type of therapy helps improve communication by teaching everyone how to listen and express their feelings more openly. Instead of arguments or silence, you’ll learn to have honest conversations and express your feelings constructively. - Group Therapy
In group therapy, you’ll meet others who are going through similar struggles. Hearing how others have dealt with emotional communication issues can be really eye-opening. Group therapy helps you feel less alone and gives you tips on how to improve your own communication skills. You might hear someone share, “I used to ignore my partner when they brought up their feelings, but now I’ve learned to listen and respond calmly.” This can inspire you to try the same in your own relationships.
Therapy gives you the tools to reconnect and communicate better, which can make a huge difference as you recover from alcohol addiction. Whether it’s learning to be more open about your feelings or listening more closely to others, therapy helps you build stronger, healthier relationships.
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Contact Us to Learn More About Addiction Recovery
If you’re struggling to cope with someone else’s alcohol misuse, Guardian Recovery’s mental health services can assist you in processing and working through your emotions around the issue.
However, if you or someone you love is struggling with substance misuse, Guardian Recovery’s substance use disorder services and help. When it comes to addiction recovery, we believe in taking an integrated approach, tackling the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual consequences of active addiction simultaneously.
Plus, we focus on comprehensive healing and individualized care. Each client is assigned a case manager, who works with the treatment team to develop a unique, personalized recovery program.
While each treatment plan is unique, many recovery journeys begin with a short stay in medical detox, followed by an immediate transition into higher care. While residential inpatient treatment often comes recommended, a client might opt to transition into a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP).
To make our treatment options as accessible as possible, we have developed a simple admissions process that can be completed in minutes over the phone.
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Changing lives by providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their health and well-being.
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Reach out now to speak with an admissions advisor at 888-483-1517 who can answer your questions, discuss treatment options, verify your insurance benefits, and explore other payment options. The call is free and confidential, and there’s no obligation to enter care. Recovery is possible. We can help.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2024). Alcohol-Related Emergencies and Deaths in the United States.
- Sinha R. Alcohol’s Negative Emotional Side: The Role of Stress Neurobiology in Alcohol Use Disorder. Alcohol Res. 2022;42(1):12. Published 2022 Oct 27. doi:10.35946/arcr.v42.1.12
