What help is available

[Mar15]

My brother is suffering really bad cravings for alcohol is has cirrhosis and kidney problems not touched a drop since March 15. Hos cravings getting worse went to doctor who said he needs to look for help himself to which he is stressing about making him want a drink more what help can he get apart from the doctors thanks

[AyrshireK]

Lots of help out there. NHS page @ nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pag...

[liveronmymind]

The AA is the very best group out there for support. They do counselling as well.

[susieanna in reply to liveronmymind]

Liveronmymind; i agree the AA are definitely worth trying, but i don't think its wise to say they are the best group re support; for some people they are ideal and work well; but for others, not so. However, its worth looking into everything and then deciding. You can get support from your local drug and alcohol services as well as going to regular AA meetings if this suits you.

[susieanna]

There should also be a local drug and alcohol support centre; sometimes you can get group therapy or one to one/ sometimes psychotherapy/ relaxation groups etc ; im surprised the doctor has not been more informative. Research on the net for local services. Good luck.

[AyrshireK in reply to susieanna]

The NHS site I put up has these very links to local services.

[Mar15]

Thanks for your replies will look into some

[art4949]

My brother was an alcoholic for years (35)and had a terrible time stopping...kept returning to drinking even though his health was becoming worse over the years. He was highly educated, good looking,had a great job...nice guy when sober..mean and abusive when drunk...he ended up in cow fields once in his new car(trashed) one night after going to a party..I bailed him out of jail more than once...we never told our mother as she would be so upset...she knew he had a drink problem..,finally, after having mouth cancer scare...and losing his driving license he was 'forced' to go to AA as part of his rehabilataion by the court.

It turned his life around...they look after each other in AA....you can NEVER drink if you are an alcoholic..EVER.... Because you have a physiological dependency, an addiction to it, so, you have physical withdrawal symptoms when you stop consuming alcohol. My brother chose to stop but it was painful, it was tough. The AA helped him through those times.

My brother discovered a much better life after he stopped drinking..he worked hard, no more blame games, sneaking,drink or hanging out in places or in social scenes that require a 'drink'...he gave up drinking and after 5 years he turned his life around and regained his life and dignity.

The AA gave him the support he needed to face his addiction to alcohol...Only he could make that decision to stop drinking no matter what his life threw at him.

I hope your brother finds the strength to overcome this terrible 'condition'. It is awful to be on the side lines watching a person you love suffer? But he is not a victim because he can say no and move on. You can say whatever you want to him ,but only he can say 'No,' every time alcohol presents an opportunity to him.