Expert: Jan Edward Williams - 12/14/2008

Question
My husband was in Liver Failure  seven years ago  He gave up driving for three moths but since then he has been drinking heavily He saw the specialist Friday and he told him he is doing well except for my husband thought it was an embulism which the doc says wont go away My husband will not let me go with him I cant see that he is ok He drinks extre strong 9% proof lager

Answer
Hello Jennifer,
Thanks for the question. You don't really give me enough information to comment very specifically on your situation. I can say this: clearly, even if the liver failure were not related to excessive alcohol use, any individual who drinks heavily when he knows he has a medical condition affecting his liver, has a serious alcohol problem and needs to stop drinking. Drinking in the face of adverese consequences is a significant indicator of alcoholism. I do not know what leverage you may have to try to pressure your husband to stop drinking, but suggest that you use any that you have. Maybe a conversation wiyh your husband's doctor may give you an ally to help you convince him to stop drinking. I also recommend that you get help for yourself through Al-Anon, the 12 Step Program for those in a relationship with an alcoholic: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/  (in the U.S.); or http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/meetings/international.html (if you live outside the U.S.). There you can get support for yourself and learn ways to avoid feeding into your husband's excuses for drinking. Good luck.
Jan Edward Williams, MS, JD, LCADC
jwilliams@alcoholdrugsos.com
www.alcoholdrugsos.com