I think since I have been on SF, there has been many discussions about drugs both legal and illegal. The subject of alcohol has been brought up but never addressed (I don't think).

Is there anyone here who has been involved with someone either by close relationship or family who had an alcohol addiction.

My dad had and still has a problem with drink. He is unable to go past an off licence or pub without giving in to the urge to go in and get a drink. That is when he can stand up.
As a result it has destroyed his life and those who are involved with him namely his two - now - ex wives and his kids.
He is for me at least out of my life and will probably drink himself to death there are other reasons that I will not go into as to why I and others have chosen not to help him.

However I am on the edge of a situation at the moment, where someone is destroying themselves and their loved ones through drink. They cannot see what they are doing, they have no comprehension of the things they do and how they upset those around them. Despite many common sense approaches to help them it has failed and now their loved ones have been pushed to the ends and face leaving to save themselves in the hopes something may register.

One last attempt is being made to get them to see and to understand that they need serious help before someone dies. It is a tense and heartbreaking time for those involved and it is heart wrenching when you see your friends being ripped apart.

I know many of us here enjoy a drink and I have been at the point in my life where I have loved to go out night after night and get plastered, but I despite any problems I have had, I haven't felt the 'need' for drink.

So what are peoples thoughts and feelings on this. Is everything being done that can be done to help those who become addicted to the drug, and what about their families and loved ones who are also devestated by the problem?
Should alcohol be banned or have stricter rules placed on it, can there be more stricter rules placed on it?

Moon

Is your friend getting any professional help?

My mother destroyed our familly through drink. Thats not uncommon I dont think. But the memories are so bad that when she died, I didnt attend the funeral, but at least I know (as someone in my 40s) that she can do no more harm.
Yes I do drink but my family will always come first.


GGGEEERRRONNNNIMOOO

I think alcohol abuse is a lot more common than people tend to believe. Many people I know have a drink at the end of every day saying it 'helps them wind down'.

I must admit that there was a time that I used to do the same thing. During the summer I would work a hard shift, sometimes up to 12 hours long, then I would have a few drinks to help me sleep. I would work 5 nights a week, and the nights that I wasn't at work I would go out and have a few beers with friends, so I was drinking 7 days a week. It's only recently that I've stopped drinking every night of the week, but I still have a few drinks at least 3 days a week. I don't know wether I ever had a serious problem, besides a psychological problem; I believed I couldn't sleep without drinking so I never bothered trying. Anyway, I realised that drinking every night was seriously bad for my health, so drastically cut down. I can't help thinking that if I could get myself into that position then there must be many other young people who do the same thing.

I never get violent, and I always know when to stop when I drink so the only person I harm is myself. All the same it's not a very clever situation to get stuck in.

My first marriage ended because of my husbands drinking habits. One thing the experience taught me was that you can't do anything to help an alcoholic if they don't want help. In the end the only thing left for me was to walk away before he took me down with him.

I do think that it also tends to run in families as his mum and dad were both alcoholics.

dare I suggest Ibogaine?

Is friend getting any help?? Well to get help you need to recognise that there is a problem and this person is completely oblivious not only to the damage they are doing to other people but most importantly to themselves.
It may be also that they are hiding from certain things as I do know their doctor has warned them that if something doesn't change some life threatening illness will get to them!

What is Ibogaine?

Moon

Originally posted by Moon Maiden
What is Ibogaine?
http://www.ibogaine.desk.nl/

There is no-one enjoys a drink more than me. I admit I go over the top at times when I 'weekend binge' now and again.

I do keep myself fit with my swimming - and my fresh-fruit-and vegetable-addiction has to be good.

I excercise my brain, I don't smoke and I am rarely still - always doing something.

A drink certainly helps to relax me - but I try to keep it out during the week.

Potentially dangerous stuff...

Can be lethal, blah, blah...

You gotta make your own choices on this one...

Handle with care...

Unless the person realises and admits they have a problem there really is nothing anyone can do, I know it is a cliche but it is true. There are help lines which are there for the support of people who are being affected by alcoholism, if you haven's tried them already perhaps they could offer some sound advice.

Well something has been done last night and some medical help brought to hand.
The focus now is for this person to do what they say and start to help themselves. Things they have said have been heard all before this is a last chance in many respects.

I passed on the link but aparently that stuff isn't available over here legally and would cost £7000 or something but thank you anyways.

It is a horrible borrible thing.

Moon