Help for an Alcoholic Family Member
Practical guidance for Zimbabwean families who no longer know how to help someone they love.
Living with someone who drinks too much is exhausting. Families swing between anger, fear, covering up and hoping that this time the promise will hold. None of that makes you a bad parent, partner or child; it means you have been carrying too much for too long.
This page explains what you can do now, what usually does not work, and how professional help, from assessment to residential treatment in Cape Town, can take some of that weight off you.
- Talk at a calm, sober moment, not during or after drinking
- Describe specific events, without labels or blame
- Stop covering for missed work or broken promises
- Get support for yourself, whatever your loved one decides
- Ask for a professional assessment
- Consider a guided intervention if talking has failed
Signs it has become dependence
Drinking earlier in the day, shaking or sweating in the morning, hiding bottles, failed attempts to cut down and drinking despite health, work or family problems are all signs that willpower alone is no longer enough.
What usually does not work
Pouring away alcohol, threats you do not carry out and arguing with someone who is drunk tend to increase secrecy. Clear boundaries, held calmly, work better.
How we help families
We start with a confidential conversation with you. We can assess your loved one in Harare or by video, prepare an intervention with your family in Zimbabwe, and arrange direct admission to our clinic in Cape Town.
Editorial standards & clinical review
Author
Jeroen Decker
Founder, Hillhouse Clinics
Founder of Hillhouse Clinics with 15+ years building licensed residential addiction treatment in Cape Town. Personal lived experience of recovery.
Reviewed by
David McNamara
Clinical Director
Clinical Director with 20+ years in addiction medicine. Oversees ASAM-aligned treatment protocols, medical detox and the multi-disciplinary clinical team supporting both treatment paths at The Hillhouse and a move to The Re-entry House.
Medically reviewed by
Bryan Hellmann
Clinical Psychologist
Registered Clinical Psychologist specialising in trauma, dual diagnosis and evidence-based therapies (CBT, DBT, EMDR) for substance use disorders.
Last clinically reviewed: May 7, 2026 · Next review scheduled: November 2026 · Hillhouse Clinics is licensed by the South African Department of Social Development. Content is informational and does not replace medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I call even if my family member does not want help yet?+
Yes. Many families call us first. We will talk through your situation and options confidentially.
What if they refuse?+
A professionally led intervention often helps. Our team can travel to Zimbabwe for this.
Is there support for me as a relative?+
Yes. Our family programme includes sessions for relatives, online from Zimbabwe.
What does treatment cost?+
Primary Care: approximately USD 1,504.80 per week for eight weeks in Cape Town. Re-entry: approximately USD 1,128.60 per week for four weeks near Harare. Full 12-week programme: approximately USD 16,552.80, all-inclusive with no additional programme costs..
A confidential conversation — on your terms
Continue reading
Last reviewed: October 2026. Admissions: +263 8612 882006. Hillhouse Clinics is licensed by the South African Department of Social Development. Outcomes vary; no treatment guarantees recovery. For emergencies in Zimbabwe call 994 (ambulance) or your nearest hospital.