Expert: Jan Edward Williams - 1/14/2008

Question
My best friend of 35 years called me the other night and confessed she has a drinking problem.  I am beyond shocked. How could I not know?  To the outside world she is the perfect wife and mother.  Later, her oldest daughter called and really filled me in. She cried and begged me for help. Their family is in tatters, her husband has given up. My friend has been there for me through thick  and thin.  I thought I was the only one who has problems, she was always my rock.  I am now desperate to help her and protect her children.  Where do I start?  I don't even know if she wants to stop.  Should I try to find her a therapist?  I don't think she would ever agree to a public forum such as AA.  What should I do? She is also the child of an Alcoholic.
Thanks.

Answer
Hello Joan,
Alcoholism is often a silent disorder except for those living with the individual, as indicated in your question. It's great that you wish to help her. It sounds as if she does need treatment. I recommend that she seek help from a therapist or treatment program with specific expertise in addictions, not just a psychotherapist, psychologist or psychiatrist. Addictions, including alcoholism, need direct treatment not just therapy for emotional issues. Here is a treatment locator: http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ I do recommend AA highly: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

I provide online help as well: Here is my web site
http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com and the specific page for persons with alcohol problems is:
http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com/alcoholicsaddictscounseling.html
Good luck.