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Ask Dr. Bob

QUESTION
My dad has this problem with drinking -- his liver is bad as well as most of his other organs now -- but he won't quit drinking. Is there anything I can do to help him?


ANSWER
A tough problem, but I'm glad you are concerned enough to seek some answers! In our work with alcoholics at the Mayo Clinic, we were impressed with the importance played by health issues in getting a person into treatment, and although it certainly is not a good thing that your Dad has liver/organ damage, it might help get him motivated. Nearly all alcoholic persons worry about their health even though they may not admit it, so presenting the medical diagnoses to him in the right way could help get him into treatment. Very few alcoholics will stop drinking simply because of their poor health, but many will become concerned or worried enough to begin a treatment program.

So the issue is one of trying to develop a plan with your family and doctor to have the medical results presented to your father in terms of being "clearly caused by drinking alcohol" and that "total abstinence" is now necessary (not merely cutting down for a while), and that a treatment program must be entered, etc.

You may wish to consider a "family intervention" as part of this effort and consult a counselor or addiction specialist physician to discuss how to do this (see also Dr. Bob question for December 2002).

Also please look into Al-Anon or Alateen as something of help to yourself for you must be troubled, as are most family members, with feelings of anger, guilt and worry over this problem. (You can reach Al-Anon/Alateen online at www.al-anon.alateen.org, by phone at 757-563-1600, or by mail at 1600 Corporate Landing Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5617. They have some materials online to help you decide if Al-Anon might be helpful. Click here: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/questions.html for access.)

Good luck!

Dr. Bob



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Dr. Bob does not provide specific medical advice or a medical diagnosis for any particular condition described, nor verify the authenticity of any information described in the questions presented. Patients should always consult their physician to discuss any specific symptoms, conditions, or modes of therapy for any particular mental or physical difficulties, diseases or conditions.

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