Question by Butterfly queen: Have 46 yr old brother who is severe alcoholic, despite 2-3 lengthy treatment programs. He can’t take a job.
He has stayed w/ my spouse, 18 yr old son on and off for past 20 yrs. Has been through 2 60 day treatment programs this year alone. Has worked on getting a a “good” job for over 2 mos. When he finally gets it, he relapses and screws it up. Our father, as well as his sponsor at AA both think he needs to be commited for at least 6 mos to a year. After a 6 day binge, he is willing to seek add’l help, but problem seems to always come up after he spends 2 mos. trying to get a job that once he gets it, he starts a binge, which is precisely what just happened. My husband no longer wants him to stay w/ us, he has no home, needs further treatment. I have researched what it takes to commit someone, but since he is willing to go for treatment, not an issue. Our dad thinks we can commit him and then we be the one to judge when he can be released. I have been his #1 enabler, but NO MORE. How to explain to dad this is not how commitment works? Can print out variety of research. HELP PLEASE!!
One major thing that presents a big obstacle is that my brother has not been able to work for approx. past 7 years. Therefore, he is homeless! He never has been able to follow through with any type of after care treatment when we allow him to stay with us. When he relapses, it causes a great deal of havoc within our home, so NO MORE staying w/ us. Has had 2 relapses after his last 60 day treatment program which ended only 2 mos. ago. With no job, no insurance, he is only entitled to state sponsored rehab programs. To me, he needs to address psychological issues MORE than his alcoholic tendencies. ANY SUGGESTIONS OTHER THAN THE OBVIOUS ONES OF ME ATTENDING AL-ANON, OF CEASING TO BE HIS ENABLER ARE MORE THAN WELCOME!!! THANKS A BUNCH !!!
As of latest writing of this question, brother is once again going to go into treatment center/rehab for his alcholism…..do they provide adequate mental health counselling in these rehabs? Think he needs to focus more on the psychological issues he has that perhaps can lead him to drink…..any suggestions???    Read more...