This started as a question about whether I can be of any
help for a person who seems to have alcohol problems
(he drinks when alone at home during the day, then he
doesn't eat, and he feels isolated).
Part of the problem as it is presenting (as I am becoming
aware), is that he now is coming to my apartment in the
evening (uninvited) and tells me that he feels isolated and
is reaching out.
But, if I respond, and go along with this, then this is
disrupting my life.
I would like to be of help, but I can't allow my life to
become disrupted by someone else's drinking problem - and
if he wants company - I don't necessarily want to spend my
time with someone who has been drinking. Then this keeps
me up late, when I need my sleep.
I know that I cannot solve his problem, but I also don't want
to do things that encourage the problem(s).
Last week, I went with him in his car, he had alcohol on his
breath, and his driving seemed off (he made a turn on a busy
street and it seemed to be too fast for the corner, maybe his
response time?). I have to decide not to go with him if he
wants to drive - for safety.
How can I be of some kind of help for this guy. I like him as a
person (I think), but he seems to be lonely.
Maybe his drinking has something to do with his situation of
being lonely?
Fortunately, I'm not a drinker.
Any ideas?