Simon, I'm so so sorry for your loss! No one things you're weird because you feel the loss of your friend! They are just like a family member! They have a part of your heart! Of course, it hurts!!

I don't know what to tell you about your dad, never having had to deal with someone who drinks, myself. My approach would probably be to not say anything to him since you say he gets mean and defensive. I'm addicted to cigarettes and it pisses me off when I'm told I should quit, so that part, I can understand.

Try what Sky says. She's really wise about those things. Maybe if you help him by sharing your grief with him, it will help enough so that he won't go on a bing.

Best of luck to you, Simon, and don't forget, you've got grieving of your own to do. Take care of YOU first.