Expert: Clyde - 7/23/2007

Question
My brother is 25 years old and has been an avid drinker since about 17. Though he will drink several bears his preferred beverage is Irish Whiskey of which he consumes between 4-8 tumblers (not sure how much that really is 2 1/2 shots?) a night. This habit has already ravaged his body as he was diagnosed with acute onset Type 1 Diabetes last summer. We thought this would wake him up to his drinking.  However, it has just gotten worse. He has never gotten a DUI, but that is only by sheer luck. As he has frequently 'barely maid it' home after a long night. Most of his drinking is done at home alone. He will even start the day before work with whiskey or saki. We do not know what to do. My father's health is also failing as the stress of my brothers drinking weighs on him. My husband and I have tried to intervene but only receive angry accusations for our efforts. We live in the townhouse attached to him so we are sadly aware of how much he drinks. We have tried mentioning the issue to his doctors, but have been blocked by privacy laws. At this rate I do not think he will make it to 35 before he either kills himself in a car wreck or his body simply gives out. Is there any guidance you can give us?

Answer
Clarissa,
   Thank you for your question and sharing your hurt, pain, and frustration with me regarding your brother.  It is a hard thing for the family and friends of an alcoholic to stand helplessly by and watch them self-destruct.  But that is sadly all one can do until the drinker decides to do something about it.
   You can make an "intervention" in the situation using treatment facilities.  I would suggest that you contact a local treatment center to find out more about the details of this option.  I am not sure of the legal issues that will have to be considered.  Many an alcoholic/addict have been literally "saved" by a family intervention.
   It is sometimes the only way to get the message across to the alcoholic - he needs to talk with someone who has "been there, done that" and has enough sober time to listen to some experts in the addictions field and recovering people who can give him hope that he can indeed change.
   You will need to pray about this and discuss it among your family as to whether you want to pursue this option.  Of course there is no way to know his reaction to the intervention.  In any case, Clarissa, do not expect this to be successful but remain open to the hope that his finding something new in his outlook on life will turn him around.
   Also, if you have not contacted Alanon I suggest you do that so that you can learn more about alcoholism.  You can find their number in the local yellow pages or a hospital could give you the number.  It will help you as a family to find out more about this "disease" and provide you some support from people who are dealing with the same situation.  It is not a moral issue.  You will find out the three C's - you didn't cause alcoholism; you can't control alcoholism; and you can not cure it.
   I hope this helps and you and he will be in my prayers as you contemplate this possibility.