Expert: james52144@earthlink.net - 4/7/2008

Question
Hello,
My boyfriend, who's never touched any drug or alcohol in his whole life, is suddenly compelled to start drinking since all of his friends have taken it up and he feels socially distanced from everyone by his adversion to alcohol. He's 23 years old. He's worried that if he were to start drinking, he'd become a heavy drinker and wouldn't be able to control himself. I'm worried about him. I don't know what to tell him. I drink every now and then, but never around him. He's very distressed, and feels pressure to start drinking immediately. Do you have any advice?
Thank you,
Kelly

Answer
Dear Kelly

Sounds like a lot of worry about something that may or may not happen. If he worries about it, it will become reality. Tell him to relax and do whatever he thinks is appropriate. Why would he be concerned about addiction? Are his parents alcoholics?