AboutJan Edward Williams Expertise all questions related to drug or alcohol addiction, except those requiring the expertise of a physician or those relating to mental health problems apart from addiction. See my web site: http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com
Experience I have been working as a licensed addictions counselor for 29 years and am in recovery myself for 31 years
Organizations Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors Maryland
Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board
Education/Credentials MS Counseling
Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Maryland
Question My dad and me live alone in a flat in London. He was an alcoholic about 15 years ago when i was really really young. But then quit until summer last year. Now hes back on it after a spate of depression, he seems to be binging which is unusual, over the last 48 hours he has been lieing in his bed drinking and sleeping or being in a slurred state of consciousness. I just caught him coming back from the shops and emptied his bottle of vodka into the toilet. Is there any point in trying to physically stop him from drinking? I just dont know what to do because after all these years it seems like hes keeping things from me and i now have to act as the parent role. I just want to get him completely sober so that he can think more rationally about his drinking problem. Am I going about it the right way? Thanks.
Answer Hello Jack,
You are in a tough situation. You don't say how old you are, but at any age it is difficult to deal with alcoholism in someone you love. It sure sounds as if your dad has relapsed seriously into his alcoholism after a substantial period of abstinence. Unfortunately, it is usually not effective to try to physically prevent an alcoholic from drinking, and even could be dangerous depnding upon the personality characeristics of the drinker. Pouring the liquor out is just a temporary measure. Alcoholics usually find ways to drink. I suggest trying to talk to him when he is not drunk and explain that you love hiim and how his drinking is hurting you. I also strongly suggest you check out Al-Anon, the 12 Step programs for those who love an alcoholic: http://www.al-anonuk.org.uk/; specifically for London: http://www.alanonlondon.org.uk/. Good luck;
Jan Williams
www.alcoholdrugsos.com
