Expert: Druideck - 10/23/2008

Question
my dads been an alcoholic for 10 years. I try talking to him, but he takes no advice from me or my mom. I dont no what to do or how to stop it! He needs lots of help.

Answer
Hi Luke,

the first step in helping your Dad is
in getting help for yourself by
attending some Al-Anon meetings.
They help the families of alcoholics
to understand the illness.

A good alcohol counsellor can discuss
the possibility of an intervention
with you. This is a very organized
event done under the supervision of
a trained intervention counsellor.
They do not always succeed however
as it is ultimitely up to the
drinker if he wants to get help and quit
drinking.

Sometimes all the family can do
is get help for themselves
and with the knowledge they
gain they will know better how
to approach the alcoholic.

His drinking is not a problem caused by
anyone else, it is a progressive illness
that can be treated but depends on his
cooperation and effort.

Gather any information you can get
on alcoholism and maybe it wouldn't
hurt to leave some lying around the
house where he might read it.

Do not confront him directly as
this will only cause problems
as he is likely in denial of
his drinking being a problem.

Take care and good luck!