Forcing hope?

Question

My dad's been drinking for 50 years and now the doctor says if he doesn’t stop he is going to die. He says he's too old to change now and that it is hopeless? I can understand how hard it must be to try to change after so long but I do not want to believe that there is no hope and that he should just give up. What do I need to do to get him to feel like there is some hope?

Rachel Starck · Accepted Answer

I am sorry to hear about your father's situation (and yours). Very tough. Is it possible for you to give your father hope to change and keep living with out alcohol? You can certainly try to point out all that he has to live for, what you appreciate about him, how it will affect you and your family to loose him prematurely, offer treatment options, support etc, but ultimately he has to decide to be in recovery. I suggest that you attend Al anon meetings for support and to better understand addiction yourself. There are many folks in your shoes, living with loved ones who are self destructing due to addiction, and we are powerless to make them have hope!

Warm wishes,

Rachel Starck LPC
rachel@thethrivingmama.com

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