Supporting my father

[Chrisofsmeg]

So he's given up drinking. Three bottles of wine a night to nothing.

Before this happened I was this *indicates with fingers* close to giving up and going into a psych facility. He's been driving me mental, and I must say he's not doing a great job of making things easier on me.

He's on meds for depression (If anybody suggests inviting him to talk here I may whack them on the head - this is where I come to get away from him) and seems to be putting on a smiley face about it all.

I just don't really know how to help him without harming myself as collateral damage. I'm the only person left locally who he's got to look after him because he seems to have alienated everybody else in his life. Myself included, for the most part.

Any suggestions, people? Or am I going to have to go into hospital to get away from the insanity of him detoxing?

£50 says it won't last longer than a week anyway :(

[j.a.n]

well done to your dad for giving it ago hun,my advice is to try and get him group support or atleast a drink dependant helpline,he also needs something to replace his drinking more so on a night,something to occupy his mind,ie puzzles,games and what i did i drank alot of fizzy diet pop,its like giving up smoking you need the hand to mouth contact ask him to contact his doc he may give a short supply of diazepam that will take the edge off the cravings,the first 5days are the worse after that it gets easier,good luck to him and yourself chris,i hope it works out for him,ive been through this myself so if you need any advice just ask xxxx tc jan xx

[Chrisofsmeg]

You all owe me £50 - it lasted three days. He's going to start again when 'work is a little easier'.

I can't be bothered to beat him into quitting again, it was hard enough last time, let alone what it'll be like now that he's given up on giving up.

Ty jan - I will try that next time he decides to give up. In the meantime - what to do?

[George]

Hi Chris Mate:
Do what ya can, that's all anyone can ask.
G