Expert: Beverley Glazer - 8/21/2009

Question
My boyfriend's sister has been having problems with alcohol in the past few months, and it has recently gotten worse, leading her to irrational behavior, such as calling the police on her own family members when they would not let her use her car or tried to take her to a women's shelter. She denies that she has a problem, and her behavior is putting a strain on my boyfriend's family. I wish that I could do something to help, but I'm not in a position to intervene because I'm not officially part of the family. I don't know of any free counseling or clinics in the area where they live, and I don't know how anyone could convince the sister to get help. Is there anything I can do to help, or do I just need to detach from the situation and pray it gets better? I am very worried about her.

Answer
Hi there,

Unfortunately there is nothing you can do about getting your boyfriend's sister help for her alcohol problem, but you can give the family information on what treatments are available. This page can help you:

http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/treatment-available.html

Also, Al-Anon meetings are helpful for families of alcoholics. These meetings are free, and all you have to do is walk in.

You can suggest that your boyfriend and his family members attend. The members are all in the same situation and they'll provide the family with the information and support that they need. Other than that, showing compasion for what the family is going through is about the only thing that you can do.

I hope this information is helpful,

Thank you for asking AllExperts,

All the best

Beverley Glazer

http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com