For families and friends of a person struggling with alcoholism and addiction, follow some of the following pointers when dealing with the disease.

DO		DON'T
talk to someone who understands alcoholism and other drug addictions		preach and lecture to the alcoholic or addict
learn the facts about alcoholism/addiction		make excuses for the alcoholic/addict
develop an attitude to match the facts		make threats you won't carry out
go to Al-Anon and/or seek professional help		believe that you are the cause of the other person's alcoholism and/or other drug addiction
learn about yourself, your needs, desires, reactions and behavior patterns		suffer for the alcoholic or addict
maintain a healthy and consistent atmosphere in your home as much as possible		protect the alcoholic from alcohol or drinking situations whether drinking/using or in a program of recovery
take care of your needs and let the alcoholic/addict take care of his/her needs		make an issue over the alcoholic's/addict's choice of treatment. Like you, he/she has the right to choose what he/she wants
share your knowledge with others		rescue - let the alcoholic/addict clear up his/her own mistakes and assume the responsibility for the consequences of his/her drinking/using behavior
be committed to your own growth, health, and life goals - be constructively self-caring