I miss my friend

[Teamcasa]

My brother is an alcoholic. I too am bugged by the lack of programs for him. Alcoholism is very destructive to anyone concerned and dangerous to those who may get in the way of an alcoholic. I’ve always wondered why, with all of the sin taxes imposed on alcohol (and tobacco), why don’t they use some of that money to provide state sponsored rehab centers (or smoking cessation)? Our family has paid tens of thousands of dollars for rehab and I know my brother alone has paid many time that amount in sin tax. He is currently at rock bottom. In Jail, awaiting sentencing for a trespassing conviction.

Dave
Your buddy will be in my prayers as well.

 

[Web Monkey]

If your friend is a vet, try the VA Hospital.

They have an excellent Chemical Dependency Clinic, and will be able to help him. If he's had any DWIs or other convictions, the judge can order him to treatment, although it's not nearly as effective as if he figures it out for himself and goes voluntarily

Terry

It's amazing what alcohol can do to a person, how a simple drink can take the person you've known and loved all your life, and make them act like someone completely different. Unfortunately alcoholism is extremely hard to kick. Which makes me feel really pathetic as I sit here trying not to cry, when he's got so many more problems than I've ever had. But I have faith in him. Maybe someday I'll have my friend I used to know back.

Please respect alcohol. There's nothing wrong with drinking it, but if you've got a problem with it, do your friends and family (and yourself) a favor and get help.

 

[RonFrank]

do your friends and family (and yourself) a favor and get help.

And there is the key, get help WHERE?

Our society supports drugs. We are a Drug culture. If you doubt it, open your eyes. Man made Legal drugs is the new thing, think vicodin. Legal drugs are everywhere. Don't get me wrong, I think it should all be legal, I just think that our gov has a responsibility to help those in need of help who pay into the system and support the Gov Drug habit tax.

Booze is taxed, it is taxed HEAVILY. The Government makes BILLIONS of dollars off of the product, and it also costs our society. Do they do ANYTHING to sponsor or even acknowledge the problem.. No. Sure arrest people who drive drunk, but why solve the issue. It's easy to solve, and technology can do so. If you blow limit X the car won't start. Not good enough, finger print the driver, and use that info. Person A can't start the car to let person B drive. It's just not that difficult, and not even cost prohibitive IF it becomes mandatory. Hell you car can give you directions, you think it can't prevent someone from driving drunk?

The programs out there to help addicts are a joke. They don't work, they are often expensive, and no one is interested in getting involved in them. When was the last time one saw a commercial saying "It's cool to help a drunk". Sure lots of hey, buy Wild Turkey, be cool, and BTW be responsible.. a pure joke.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

That's been his problem as well....few places to get help, and the getting up the nerve to go, admit he has a problem, and start dealing with it.

 

[24940]

Some people need to bottom out before they can climb back up. I'm hoping your friend has a high bottom, but that isn't too common.

One thing that might help to remember is that this is not about you. Coulda, woulda, shoulda won't do a thing for you or your friend. The best thing you can do is protect yourself in every way possible. Draw a line and stick to it.

I'm really sorry you are having to deal with this.

 

[almitywife]

down here were having a huge problem with young/underaged drinkers - legal limit is 18 for us

as a non-drinker i never noticed all those kiddie pop drinks on the markets before - they have very high alchohol content and marketed to the teens

personally i would like to see more action against booze as there are so many programs in support of giving up smoking. last i checked most smokers dont get into cars and drive dangerously or get abusive and start abusing family members and blame it on the ciggies

both my parents were alchoholics, at some point you have to let go because you are not responsible for their decisions. and learn from it, dont become the same person that you dislike so much

goodluck to your friend and those that are trying to be there for him...... sadly its a long way down but before that, an alchoholic can operate for years (decades) before they get really bad. and then, if they make it back - the effects of their actions will last for years, a lifetime even - and not just themselves but those that love them.
i see the many choices my siblings and i have made over the years, from partners to raising children and the only good from our parents is that we all seem to have choosen more compatable partners & raised the kids in a happier environment than we survived

thanks for your beautiful words Rick

 

[D_B]

I have a close friend that is sober now for about 10 years, and thankfully she had a high bottom to start back up from. I bet she has this to heart .. "We are not cured. What we have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition."
Thank you Rick

I also have a brother who is not sober and does have a big problem with alcohol .. don't blame yourself for what you can not do for them .. they need to start this on there own, all you can do is make sure they know that when they do, you'll do what you can to help

 

[SparticleBrane]

I don't understand how most people can drink -- to me, 99% of it just tastes bad. It's a rare occasion when I do have a drink and if I do, it's something where I can't really taste the alcohol...