I have a friend who is an alcoholic?!


Question: I have a friend who is an alcoholic!?
I have a friend who is an alcoholic!. He admits he has a problem but tends to wayyyy downplay it!. Ive been bothering him for awhile to do something about it!. He claims that he is "toning it down" and that he has to "work up to" completely quitting!.
My question: Is it possible for a true alcoholic to "tone it down" or do they need to quit cold turkey!? Does he need to be in a program or can he do it himself!? Should I stop bugging him!?

ThanksWww@Answer-Health@Com


Answers:
Alcoholics often go through periods where they cut back just to prove to themselves (or friends) that they are still in control of their drinking!. Problem is, it never lasts very long!.

Many will even quit for 30 or 60 days so that they can say, "I can quit anytime, in fact, I did that just a few months ago!."

Problem is, they always go back, lulled by this false security!. To answer your question, yes alcoholics can cut back, tone it down and even quit for short periods, but they're still alcoholic!.

It's a tricky thing, and your friend is the one who has to make the decision to quit!. Your role as a friend is to continue to voice your concern when you feel that, do what you can to keep your friend safe, and then be as supportive as possible when he finally decides that he's ready to give this up!. You would also be a good friend to not drink with him!.

Most alcoholics need some type of support to quit and stay quit, though many do it on their own!. They all need basic education about the nature of this disease!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

From what I understand, once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic!. Even if he did manage to quit drinking altogether, he would still have the constant struggle to not drink for the rest of his life!. Also, he's not going to quit or get help until he knows he needs help!. Ever heard the saying "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink"!? That sums it up!. Don't take this burden on yourself, or lose any sleep over it!. It's not your struggle, it's his!. All you can do is be his friend and be there for him when and if he does decide to get help!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

No they should not do it themselves!. Alcohol withdrawls are very dangerous then what people tend to think!.
They can actually die from it, some will even hallucinate, have seizures!.!.!.ect!.
I had a friend that was drinking a liter of vodka a day or more and he had to drink just so that he could function and he didn't act like he was drunk, i had no idea that he drank that much because he seemed "sober " until i went into his car and saw all of his empty bottles!.
He ended up having a d!.t at Denny's and told me that he needs to quit!. So i ended up going with him to a rehab where he had to detox for 2 days and knocked him out!.
The only way your friend will stop drinking is if he takes the first step and admit he has a problem!.
But come on alcoholics, drugs users don't think they have a problem!. Try to support your friend, but if his drinking becomes way out of control then you should stop being friends with him!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

Well i was developing a problem with it!. I started drinking because while i drank, i was forgetting things that were happening at the time, cause i'd always find someone to drink with and have a bit of a laugh with!.

Anyway, i noticed i was developing a problem, and just stopped, but thats before i got pulled in!.

From what i understand, if your friend has a problem with it, and it's a big problem, doing it cold turkey may only bring about after effects!. Such as shaking ect!.

Therefore i feel it's maybe best to cut down!. But there needs to be some sort of guide i think!. I don't think AA meetings are in need as such but perhaps he and you could talk it over!? Come to an understanding of how much he drinks a day, then in a week, then say, instead of having 8 bottles, maybe have 6!. Then gradually cut it down like that!?

But don't stop bugging until it's obvious he's trying or he just wont try!. Maybe evn try pointing out what it's doing to his liver!. It's not scare tactics, it's facts!.

EDIT:

The guy above me must be thick cause no way are you stupid to ask!. Your being a friend, just don't take notice of that prat!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

Sometimes people with drinking problems can indeed tone it down or quit on their own!. Sometimes they need help!. Time will tell!. In the meantime, don't invest any more energy on solving your friend's problem than he is willing to invest!. It isn't up to you!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

your stuped to ask thatWww@Answer-Health@Com





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories