Addiction to Alcohol/Alcoholics and pain

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Expert: - 12/3/2009


Question
My father is an alcoholic. He doesn't admit it but I am sure of it. He is 63 years old and he's been under a lot of stress. Lately he's been complaining of pain in his leg and tiredness. Is this related to the fact that he's an alcoholic or is he simply getting old? Please I have another question: how do you show someone and make him realize that he's addicted to alcohol?
Thank you for your time

Answer

Beverley Glazer MA. IC
Hi Frankie,

There really isn't any way of knowing why your Dad has pain in his leg. He may have bumped into something while drunk, or is developing some physical probems only his Dr. can tell you this. He has to go for tests.  I suggest he makes an appointment with a physician. Alcoholics avoid doctor's appointments because they're affraid of the results, so you may have to book it and go with him.

Privately, you should tell the Doctor about his drinking because he probably won't talk about it.

To answer your 2nd question: Alcoholics will argue and defend drinking because they're in denial and don't want to stop. This self test may be
helpful. Print it and give it to him -- but there's no guarantee that he'll do it. Or that he'll get help with the problem.

Http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/alcohol-addiction.html

There's really not much you can do about getting Dad to help himself, unless he becomes completely dysfunctional. But you can learn how to deal with him so you don't enable him. Check out the Al-Anon meetings in your area. The members can be very supportive and you'll get ideas on your roll in his addiction.

I hope this information is helpful

Thank you for asking AllExperts,

Regards

Bev
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you so much for the answer...it was very helpful!


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Beverley Glazer

Expertise

I can answer questions on all addictive behaviors: alcohol, drugs, food, compulsive sex, codependency, gambling, compulsive shoplifting etc.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience working in the addiction field. My experience extends to all levels of substance abuse. I've worked in rehabs and detox centers, prisons and half-way houses and have a busy private practice as well as an active website where I can be reached for recovery coaching and consultation. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist, but 12-step programs are an excellent support. When working in the addiction field, there is no cookie-cutter solution. In the recovery field, you witness miracles. That's why I love what I do.

Organizations
NAADAC The Association for Addiction Professionals, CACCF Canadian Addiction Counselors Federation, CCA Canadian Counseling Association, For more information please see: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com

Education/Credentials
BA Psychology, MA Counseling Psychology, ICADC International Alcohol and Drug Counselor, ICAC International Clinical Addiction Counselor, CGC Certified Gambling Counselor.

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