A 33-year-old member asked:
What should i do if i suspect a loved on an alcohol addiction?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Med eval/ AA/ ALANON: You can attend alanon where you can learn about alcoholism and you can find out areas that you can influence and areas that you can't. You can also encourage your loved one to attend an aa (alcoholic anonymous meeting) and/ or see his physician to have this evaluated.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
2 comments

Dr. Pamela Pappas commented
Psychiatry 43 years experience
Great answer, Dr. Fowler. Many people who call me about similar concerns are surprised when I suggest attending Al-Anon for themselves. They tend to focus on "fixing the alcoholic" instead, even though this approach usually has limited success.
Feb 5, 2013

Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Provided original answer
I have found the same dynamic. Thanks for the input. Heidi
Feb 5, 2013

Dr. Arthur Ciaramicolianswered
Clinical Psychology 46 years experience
Alcholoism: Approach your loved one with calm, tact, empathy and give very truthful feedback based on the facts you have observed. Try attending an al anon meeting for guidance and support. Best.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 48-year-old member asked:
Need help! loved one has an alcohol addiction! what can I do?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Bennett Machanicanswered
Neurology 53 years experience
Communication: First, contact your family doctor, and express your concerns. Second, contact alcoholics anonymous and discuss options. When this is all is place, approach the individual with your concerns, and a plan. All of this can be turned around and stabilized with appropriate team approach.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 15, 2017
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