Caller: 18-year old young man calling on behalf of his best friend
Problem: Alcohol abuse
Seeking: Alcohol rehab options with possible intervention with parents
Reason(s): The teen is concerned that his long-time best friend’s alcohol abuse is becoming a serious problem that is not only becoming a societal problem but may even be causing harmful physical effects to his buddy. According to the teen, his friend is no longer interested in attending college, interested in dating, or in playing sports. He states, “I realize that high-school kids are known to have their fun, I mean I have drank beers before and hard liquor, but I know when it is the weekend and I know how to handle it. I mean what I did or even continue to do is not necessarily legal, but it does not get me in trouble. My friend, on the other hand, has been sick from school a lot and I am worried that he is just not going to get the grades he needs to make it through the year – let alone what this is doing to his liver and brain.” The teen admits that he has cleaned up after his friend on weekends, noting that this is necessary after his friend becomes blackout drunk. The teen also realizes that this might be a problem that he should approach with the friend’s parents, but he is unsure how to approach the situation. The teen said, “I realize that best friends are supposed to help each other through everything, but his behavior is weighing me down too. I really need him to get help because I know that he is heading in the wrong direction.”
AlcoHolly
AlcoHolly January 16, 2014 at 9:19 pm
This is exactly the case of my younger bro who’s girlfriend is sinking deeper into her drinking problem. Being an older sis, I wanted to help out but actually dunno what to tell my bro. His gf is only 17, he’s 18 and it seems like they’ve been stuck together in the problem even if my bro does NOT have a drinking issue. I suggested that the parents of the gf got involved but it seems that’s a more weighty concern bcuz the parents are also heavy drinkers. Plus they’re not “hands on” with the parenting, divorced and are hooked on their careers. Sounds like a case of true American Beauty eh? But I also told my bro he can seek grandparents’ support and intervention toget the gf into rehab. I hope it works out soon.