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Addiction to Alcohol/I think my father is an Alcoholic
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Question
I am twelve. My father likes to Drink, anD that was fine at first. It was never a problem before,
but not one he starts Drinking he Doesn't know when to stop. In the year 2007, he quit
Drinking for 10 months. But one night he went behinD my mother anD my back he starteD
Drinking. My father has high blooD pressure anD I trieD many of times to stop him, but he just
wont stop Drinking or listen to me. Last night he woulDn't go to be for my mother, so I haD to
physically Drag him to beD. He is sneaking beers behinD my mother anD my back anD when
he says he haD one Drink he really haD four or five. This is ruining my relationship with my
father anD my parents marriage relationship. Please help. Thank you for your time.
Hi Blair,
I think you're right. Your Dad is an alcoholic. He can't simply take one drink. This is very frustrating because with high blood pressure etc. you know he's killing himself - but you can't stop him. You're dad is the only one who can stop himself and make changes. Right now, he's in denial. He thinks he can stop any time - but he can't.
Here's where both you and your mom have to stand together because you are both victims of his drinking. Stop the nagging, begging, pleading etc because dad's going to do what dad's going to do and it will only drive you crazy.
Check out Al Anon meetings in your area. These meeting are for family members of alcoholics and they would be a very good support system for your mom. Some communities have AlAteen meetings. You are almost a teenager and sound very responsible and I'm sure you'll benefit from these groups.
Here are the recovery options which are posted on my site: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/treatment_recovery.html
Both you and your mom have to stand firm and demand that he gets help - counseling, rehab, AA meetings - whatever it takes. He has to understand that you both love him but will not put up with this behavior and he as a choice - either the family or the bottle.
I hope that this information will help you in this difficult time
Good Luck!
Beverley Glazer
http://untwist-your-thinking.com
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Answers by Expert:
Beverley Glazer
Expertise
I can answer questions on all addictive behaviors: alcohol, drugs, food, compulsive sex, codependency, gambling, compulsive shoplifting etc.
Experience
I have over 20 years experience working in the addiction field. My experience extends to all levels of substance abuse. I've worked in rehabs and detox centers, prisons and half-way houses and have a busy private practice as well as an active website where I can be reached for recovery coaching and consultation. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist, but 12-step programs are an excellent support. When working in the addiction field, there is no cookie-cutter solution. In the recovery field, you witness miracles. That's why I love what I do.
Organizations
NAADAC The Association for Addiction Professionals, CACCF Canadian Addiction Counselors Federation, CCA Canadian Counseling Association,
For more information please see: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com
Education/Credentials
BA Psychology, MA Counseling Psychology, ICADC International Alcohol and Drug Counselor, ICAC International Clinical Addiction Counselor,
CGC Certified Gambling Counselor.
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