Getting a loved one to seek help with addiction can be a tricky feat; sometimes, it can even seem impossible. But if your loved one is suffering from issues with alcohol specifically, there are a few facts you can throw at them to help convince them that they are in real danger.

Firstly, there are a range of long-term effects alcoholism can have on the body - many of which can lead to death. This may sound dramatic, but it's true, and medical conditions such as cirrhosis, stroke, heart disease, cancer and pancreatitis can all be caused by a dependency on alcohol.

In fact, drinking too much alcohol is one of the most common causes of cancer, particularly of the liver, mouth, throat, colon and breast. It has been said that one in all ten cases of male cancer are caused by drinking too much alcohao; whilst one in 33 female cancers are, too. Cirrhosis is another big thing to watch out for. This is basically the final, gruelling stage of alcoholic liver disease, and is very nasty to live through. It too can cause death anytime.

Cirrhosis inflicts symptoms such as jaundice, vomiting blood, a consistently high temperature, losing a lot of weight, abdominal swelling and memory loss. These are pretty awful to endure, and having final-stage cirrhosis is a long, painful way to go.

Secondly, be sure that your loved one knows how badly the alcohol is affecting their life. They will likely display signs such as slurred speech, frequent vomiting, poor judgement, a false sense of confidence and reduced inhibitions. This can cause them to act stupidly and lose their job, and the love and respect of their friends and family.

Be sure to hammer home to them that if they continue to damage their bodies by drinking excessively, they may be at risk of dying alone, without anyone to help them. They may end up bankrupt, with no money at all, and without a place to sleep at night. These are pretty frightening scenarios and unless they are really involved in their illness, should shock them into getting help.