by John
(Sweden)
My friend is 56 years old, and he has been drinking six pints of beer (almost like a medication regimen) every day since his mother died. He was thirteen at the time, so it’s 43 years of drinking… He’s developed a slight liver problem, so now he says he’s going to quit drinking. I am worrying there might be delirium tremens, seizures and the like if he stops cold turkey. Shouldn’t he taper down instead? Would cutting out one beer per day per week (then it would take six weeks to take him to zero beers a day) be a reasonably safe option? He’s the most stubborn man I’ve ever met and he has made up his mind to stop drinking without seeing a doctor etc…I worry he will go cold turkey and develop serious problems as a result…I may be able to convince him to taper down, but I won’t be able to get him to join an organized program…
Reply
Although you stated that your friend is not willing to go and see a doctor, I am afraid this is what he should do, if he wishes to stop drinking without risk to himself. When his slight liver problem was diagnosed the doctor responsible must have made some kind of recommendation or given advice to your friend about his drinking, he should heed this.
Quitting drinking, even tapering down, can be risky and should never be attempted without medical supervision.
All the best.
I am a Mental Health Counselor who is licensed in both New York (LMHC) and North Carolina (LCMHC). I have been working in the Mental Health field since 2015. I have worked in a residential setting, an outpatient program and an inpatient addictions program. I began working in Long Island, NY and then in Guelph, Ontario after moving to Canada. I have since settled in North Carolina. I have experience working with various stages of addiction, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, stages of life concerns and relationship concerns.
I tend to use a person-centered approach which simply means that I meet you where you are and work collaboratively to help you identify and work towards accomplishing goals. I will often pull from CBT when appropriate. I do encourage use of mindfulness and meditation and practice these skills in my own life. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion.
I recognize that reaching out for help is hard and commend you for taking the first step. We have professionals available who would be happy to help you move closer to reaching your goals related to your drinking concerns. You may reach these professionals by calling 877-322-2694.