How can I help him?

[kitt00]

Hi, I am in need of help.

My 83yr old Father-In-Law is drinking from morning til Dad goes to bed. He's depressed, drinks, more depressed & so on. His kids are ready to put him in a home for old folks.

Even though he is very healthy, Dad sits on the poarch swing all day and sneaks back & forth from his bedroom, or car, having a drink. Dad thinks he is hiding the drinking from us. I get him out for walks once in a while.

What do I do to get him help?
Any information would be so appreciated.

Kitt00

[Doraine]

You can ask him if he wants to go to a meeting with you. Find an open meeting to take him to. A closed meeting is for alcoholics only. In the meantime you can go to Alanon for yourself. You can share and get advice from people who have an alcoholic in their lives. Your father in law may resist any offer of help. Alanon can help you deal with whatever happens.

[kitt00]

Thank you Doraine. Just bringing up the subject is frightening because he gets upset with me. I will just keep trying and maybe he will go to a meeting with me.
Thanks again,
Kitt

[admin]

:46: Kitt, I am glad to have you join us. Doraine made some great suggestions. We also have a forum on the board here for Families and Friends Of Alcoholics and Addicts. Feel free to check that also. Please continue to come back and share with us. We care! :42:

Love,
Tammy

[cassie]

Hi kitt00
Welcome to Cyberrecovery. I am cassie, gratefully recovering alcoholic.
Do you know if he has read about the depression that comes from alcohol? There is good information out there - but it will help only if he sees and agrees there is a problem. Al-anon is a great system of support and hope for families of alcoholics and has helped many deal with the stresses and problems. You don't have to be alone - please keep coming back to share.