Expert: Jan Edward Williams - 1/5/2009

Question
Hi, My partner of 6 years has slowly deteriorated, he has always liked a drink he grew up around pubs & his father was an alcoholic. We ran pubs together a few years age but the last year he has become more dependant. He has been admitted to hospital twice & detoxed. I cant go on any more i have 3 children 10,4,2 he has not been taking his medication as advised & tonight he was taken into hospital after falling to the floor screaming clutching his heart & having three fits one after the other. The paramedics came & took him to  hospital he has been continually sick for 2 days. My 11 yr old son witnessed this i have never been so scared thank god for my first aid training after he foamed at the mouth i put him into the recovery position.I really want to no how long he has left his body is bruised he has scars & dry flaking skin on his face i want to no the truth.  

Answer
Hello Caroline,
I regret that you have you face such a difficult situation. It seems clear that your partner has inherited his father's alcoholism. I am not sure about the medical condition you described as "fits". If they are alcoholic seizures, then your partner is in the late stage of alcoholism and is endangering his life by continuing to drink. Seizures can be fatal. Alcoholism is, however, very powerful and an individual even in the late stages of the disease may continue to drink though facing death. I think it important, though I know how hard it is, for you to focus on your own needs and safety, and the well-being of your young children. If it is practical to do so, I would suggest that you find a safe place for you and your children and tell your partner that you cannot be with him until he gets sober. You may wish to explore the free help available to you at Al-Anon, the 12 Step Program for those in a relationship with an alcoholic: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/ Good luck,
Jan Edward Williams, MS, JD, LCADC
jwilliams@alcoholdrugsos.com
www.alcoholdrugsos.com