Expert: Beverley Glazer - 3/15/2009

Question
My son is 25 years old, a really smart young man, married for 5 yrs to a beautiful girl who is expecting their first child in July.  He is a 2nd year law student at UNC.  The problem:
he drinks beer every night, sometimes as much as a six pack.  Always at least a six pack on weekends.  He drinks alone normally, after his wife goes to bed.  He has gained about 20 lbs in the last year.  He looks bad.  He could be in the top 10% at law school but barely has a B average.  He refuses to admit he has a drinking problem.  I have approached him on several occasions and he denies it, says he is okay and in control.  His wife is a great gal and she wants him to quit drinking too. I don't know what to do.  Can you offer any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Tammy

It sounds like your son is a great guy but with school and family expectations, he's under a lot of pressure. Drinking is a very common practice to lighten stress. He may not have an addiction problem yet, but it seems like he's on the road to it.

Your son is in denial but, here is a self test that can be helpful to show  him that he has to cut down.

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

Unfortunately no one can stop another person from drinking, but you can help him see that he's developing a problem,  For the sake of his future, he's got to do something about it before everything blows up in his face.

I hope this information is helpful,
All the Best
Thank you for writing All Experts

Beverley Glazer
http://untwist-your-thinking.com