Say if. . .

If someone can't go more than 3 days without a few beers can that be a sign they should seek counseling for alcoholism?
Especially if one is doing it during depression and kind of using it to get tired enough to sleep and escape for a brief time the unpleasantries?
The person or persons, do realize that all the reality is there once sober again, but in desparate need to "escape" for that short time, being slightly intoxicated holds a slight grip on them.
Just wondering, I have someone close to me and want to try to help him.
Thanks for any info. in advance,
DE

In my heart I feel this person can or is heading to alcoholism. His pdoc. has been telling him to try to cut it out, just stay with the meds he has given him.
Alternative given as voluntary, his pdoc suggested some sort of alcohol/substance abuse out patient day/nite program.
I do not know how much I can say to this person in fear of offsetting something worse

DE,

I would think that this is not "normal" behavior and that perhaps some counselling is in order. To me, someone who needs alcohol or drugs to relax needs help. It's hard to approach someone who doesnt seem to think they have a problem and in my past experience, my concerns have fell on deaf ears. All you can do as a friend is voice your concerns and assure this friend of yours that you will do what ever you can as a friend to help them. I'm sorry I dont have better advice for you. I sure do hope everything works out. Take care and please keep us posted. Much love.


Jen

Thanks for your reply. With hope all will work out, I'm going to help him with this, also agreed to go with him at his next pdoc appt. and try to work as a mini team with this, he is in agreement with this plan, he hates being like this, besides risking something bad being that he already is on meds from the pdoc.
Well, we shall see.

Thanks again,
DE

Yes, it would be good if the person is willing to hear about what you think and the pdoc. Drinking on ANY meds is a risky thing, had to find that one out the hard way. I know I use to in the beginning to use alcohol as a way of escaping what I did not like in the world and could not face. Then, the alcohol took over me and I had no control. That is when things got alot worse and down the dreaded road I went. Had to climb back out the hard way but have learned from all the things I have done wrong and remember them. It is good your friend has someone like you around who cares. That makes it a little easier on them. Wishing you the best and keep us informed.
Allan

Thanks, Allan and jm,
Wish me luck with this, I'll keep updates on this thread if anyone wants to hear how it goes.

Take care now,
DE

I would think he has a problem. Maybe not a horrible one right now, but like Alan said, I too, used to drink to hide emotions or to sleep, and then it got out of control completely. I have almost 2 months sober right now, and I brought myself into the program with a little a push from some kind of unseen force =). When anyone even hinted that I had a problem, I had an excuse. I didn't want to hear it until I was ready. But I've known people in recovery and even went to a couple meetings years ago for them, before I had a problem, and I think the seed was planted. He may not want to hear it right now, or may not believe it, but whatever you and his doc say will plant a seed, and if he isn't willing now, hopefully he will be soon. I don't know if you'd be interested, but I've heard a lot of people say that Alanon helped a lot for non-alcoholics to understand the alcoholic. And you can definetly vent to us or as questions or anything you need, because we definetly understand. I hope all works out soon!

Rayna

I agree... one doesn't have to be a fall-down drunk to be an alcoholic. It's the addiction, the need that suggests that.

Maybe having him take an inventory/survey of his feelings and habits regarding drinking will open his eyes to the problem? That way it won't be someone he has to defend himself to, but an expert fact sheet.

Another suggestion, you can find the book of Alcoholics Anonymous online at www.alchoholicsanonymous.com. I recommend "Bill's Story" for the person who "doesn't know" yet. =)