Dr Barbara Nawrot Updated: November 21, 2025, 11:12 Table of Contents
The alcoholic's environment is often the first to notice that the situation is getting out of control. Fear, frustration, and the question arise: how to force an addicted person to get treatment if they don't see the problem themselves. Unfortunately, coercion in the case of alcohol addiction rarely brings lasting results. Treatment only makes sense when at least minimal motivation for change appears. However, this doesn't mean that loved ones are helpless. You can effectively persuade someone to get treatment by using appropriate conversation strategies, psychological support, and – in extreme situations – resorting to involuntary alcoholism treatment procedures provided for in Polish law.Why doesn't an alcoholic want to get treatment?
An alcoholic often lives in a world of denial – minimizing the problem, explaining drinking with stress, work troubles, or a difficult life situation. In their belief, everything is under control, even when those around them see the dramatic consequences of addiction. One of the most common defense mechanisms is denying the disease. An alcoholic doesn't want to get treatment because they fear losing their identity, being judged, and stigmatization. In turn, shame and fear of failure cause them to escape into even deeper addiction. It's also often difficult for them to admit they need help, especially if for years they were perceived as a strong and independent person. Many addicts also fear life without alcohol. Sobriety seems empty, devoid of relief and the "reward" that a drink once provided. This perspective triggers anxiety and sometimes even panic, causing the drinking person to push aside the topic of treatment, looking for excuses.How to convince an alcoholic to get treatment – effective conversation strategies
Talking to someone addicted to alcohol is one of the most difficult tasks facing family and loved ones. Anger, resentment, and disappointment are natural, but it's precisely these emotions that can make it harder to achieve the goal. To effectively convince an alcoholic to get treatment, you need to act with empathy, calmness, and awareness that addiction is a disease, not a choice.- Don't use threats and don't blame. Your arguments should be firm but not accusatory. Aggression only results in anger and denial from the other side.
- Don't criticize, but support. Help during therapy and when implementing changes. Don't enable the development of addiction.
- Try to present your point of view. Show changes that occurred based on comparisons before and during addiction.
- Use family help. Joint intervention and rational arguments can help the addicted person draw conclusions.
- Take advantage of moments of sobriety. Only then can you count on any changes and a serious conversation.
How to force an alcoholic to get treatment – is involuntary alcoholism treatment possible?
It's worth understanding the difference between persuasion and coercion. Persuasion is actions by loved ones aimed at awakening reflection and desire for change – conversation, support, confrontation with facts. Coercion is legal intervention, used only when alcoholism leads to serious harm, such as domestic violence, child neglect, loss of health, or safety of others. How to force an alcoholic to get treatment if they refuse help? Unfortunately, in practice, forcing therapy is very limited and rarely brings lasting effects. Addiction treatment requires internal motivation, and this doesn't arise under pressure. Despite this, Polish law provides for situations where involuntary treatment of an alcoholic is possible.How to arrange involuntary treatment for an alcoholic?
The first step is to submit an application to the Municipal Commission for Solving Alcohol Problems appropriate for the addicted person's place of residence. After receiving the notification, the commission conducts a conversation with the alcoholic and assesses the situation. If they still refuse treatment, the case goes to the district court, which can, based on expert opinions, issue a decision on involuntary alcoholism treatment. The goal of this procedure is not punishment, but protection of the health and life of the addicted person and the safety of their family. The process itself can take several months, so in parallel it's worth seeking psychological and medical help to prepare the addicted person and loved ones for starting therapy.Voluntary treatment – why try it before coercion takes effect
An alcoholic's loved ones can help in making the decision about voluntary addiction treatment. It's worth enabling the first step not through pressure, but through calm conversation, emotional support, and offering specific solutions. A good idea is to jointly schedule a consultation at a therapeutic facility, where the patient will receive reliable information about the course of treatment and its effects. At Nasz Gabinet, we provide full support to both patients and their families. We offer consultations, safe alcohol detox, Esperal implant, and outpatient therapy conducted in friendly, discreet conditions. The team of specialists helps overcome fear of treatment and find motivation for change – step by step, at a pace adapted to the patient's capabilities. Most importantly, don't act under the influence of emotions. Pressure, ultimatums, or threats rarely bring the expected result. They usually lead to withdrawal and even greater denial of the problem. If you don't know how to talk to an alcoholic, contact our facility. We'll advise you on how to prepare, respond to denial, and set boundaries without feeling guilty.Take advantage of our specialists' experience, Esperal implant procedures are performed in 17 Polish cities:
Esperal Wroclaw Esperal Warsaw Esperal Lodz Esperal Krakow Esperal Katowice Esperal Bydgoszcz Esperal Gdansk Esperal Poznan Esperal Szczecin Esperal Elblag Esperal Gdynia Esperal Gliwice Esperal Kielce Esperal Lublin Esperal Olsztyn Esperal Walbrzych Esperal OpoleHow to help without harming
Helping a person addicted to alcohol is an enormous emotional challenge. Loved ones often balance between the desire to help and feelings of helplessness. Remember that help doesn't consist of taking responsibility for the disease, but in supporting the decision to get treatment. Addiction therapy is a process in which every step, even the smallest, is important. Sometimes the first call to a specialist or an honest conversation with a therapist becomes the beginning of lasting change. At Nasz Gabinet, we help patients and their families go through this journey with empathy, professionalism, and hope for a life free from alcohol. Contact us and see how we can help you. Read also: How to Talk to an Alcoholic About Their Drinking – Don't Be Afraid of Confrontation:::cta Do you need help fighting addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online appointment. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule appointment :::
