Expert: Jan Edward Williams - 5/2/2008

Question
My brother is, I think less than a year from being dead from alcohol.  Is there any situation that can cause him to be committed, institutionalized, to save his life?

Answer
Hello Jon,
Unfortunately, even though drinking does kill and in a real sense your brother may be drinking himself to death, in many jurisdictions in this country laws do not permit involuntary commitment of an alcoholic for self-destructive drinking. BUT SOME DO; I did a quick check and found 8 states (there may be more) that have involuntary civil commitment laws for alcoholics who are incapable of stopping drinking and as a result are endangering their lives. Check the laws of your state (Google your state and "alcoholics involuntary commitment"). Good luck.