Expert: Jan Edward Williams - 10/13/2008

Question
please help me out with my dad.
he drinks way to much.
and i have/had to grow up with my dad always drinking.
i always wish that i could always have my dad be at school functions and things with out being drunk or looking really skinny and and stuff.

can you please give me advice on how to tell him how i feel about him drinking and tell him that he needs to stop?

he rewinded a marriage with my mom ovber drinking and he has four kids to take care of!
i miss my daddy and i want him to come home!
so please help me!

Answer
Hello Jenna,
I am sorry you have so much pain over your Dad's drinking problem, but it is a good thing that you are seeking help. You do not say how old you are; assuming you are underage, my first piece of advice is for you to find an adult that you can trust (perhaps a school counselor or a relative you think will support you) and talk to that person about your Dad's drinking. I do not know enough about your situation to advise you about speaking with your father because sometimes it can be dangerous to confront an alcoholic. The first thing to do is for you to get some support from an adult. Also, here is a good website that gives a lot of information for children of alcoholics: http://www.adultchildren.org/ Good luck to you.
Jan Edward Williams, MS, JD, LCADC
www.alcoholdrugsos.com