Communicating with someone dealing with alcoholism requires sensitivity, understanding, and often a strategic approach. Here are some key strategies that can help you communicate effectively:

1. Educate Yourself About Alcoholism: Understanding alcoholism as a disease will help you communicate with empathy and compassion. Recognize that alcoholism involves physical, psychological, and behavioral components that the person may not have full control over.
2. **Choose the Right Time:** Find a time to talk when the person is sober and you are both calm. Avoid starting this conversation when they are under the influence of alcohol, as they may not be receptive or able to have a meaningful discussion.
3. Express Concern Without Judging: Use "I" statements to express your concerns. For example, say "I feel worried about your health when I see you drinking like this," instead of "You are always drinking and it’s a problem!" This approach is less likely to make them feel attacked, which can trigger defensiveness.
4. Listen Actively: Give them your full attention, show that you are listening, and refrain from interrupting. This can help them feel valued and understood. Active listening also involves nodding, maintaining eye contact, and reflecting back what you’ve heard to confirm understanding.
5. Offer Support, Not Ultimatums: Let them know that you are there to support them and that they are not alone in their struggle. Offer to help them find professional treatment options, attend meetings with them, or be there to talk when they need it. Avoid making ultimatums or threats, which can often backfire.
6. Encourage Treatment: Gently encourage them to seek professional help without pushing too hard. You could suggest visiting a doctor, attending a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous, or seeing a therapist who specializes in addiction.
7. **Set Boundaries:** It’s important to protect your own mental health and well-being. Clearly define what behaviors you can accept and what you can’t. Communicate these boundaries calmly and firmly.
8. Be Patient and Prepared for Resistance: Change won’t happen overnight, and the individual may not be immediately receptive to your concerns or the idea of seeking help. Be patient and prepared for setbacks or denials, but remain supportive.
9. **Avoid Enabling Behaviors:** Be careful not to enable their addiction. This includes not covering for their behaviors, not lying for them, or not providing them with means to continue their drinking behavior.
10. Take Care of Yourself: Supporting someone with alcoholism can be emotionally draining. Ensure that you are looking after your own emotional and physical health. Seek support for yourself if needed, from support groups for friends and family of those with addiction or through therapy. Effective communication in such sensitive situations is a skill that requires ongoing effort and adjustment based on responses and changes in the situation.