Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Archae

(46,337 posts)
Mon Dec 23, 2019, 08:16 PM Dec 2019

A guy I know was just taken to the hospital...

He has a drinking problem, he'll mix Gatorade and vodka, (half and half) then drink that until he's blotto.

Except on days he works.

But he showed up at my door near falling-down drunk, and had me call the Sheriff's office, he was depressed, and crying.
They took him to the local Hospital they take mental patients to, but now he's going to spend Christmas there.

Just tragic.

16 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

Ilsa

(61,695 posts)
2. That is tragic.
Mon Dec 23, 2019, 08:20 PM
Dec 2019

I guess he doesn't have family to spend Christmas with? I hope they can help him.

Archae

(46,337 posts)
4. He does, but it sounds like they don't want him around.
Mon Dec 23, 2019, 08:32 PM
Dec 2019

Not sure on this however.

It is possible his drinking has alienated the rest of his family.

MuseRider

(34,111 posts)
3. It may be tragic now
Mon Dec 23, 2019, 08:23 PM
Dec 2019

but it could be a life changing experience for your friend. Thank you for helping him, I am sure it was hard.

abqtommy

(14,118 posts)
5. This is good. He asked for help and he's getting help. That's not tragic, it's a chance for a new
Mon Dec 23, 2019, 08:34 PM
Dec 2019

beginning and you helped. You're a true friend.

elleng

(130,974 posts)
7. Alcoholism is a terrible disease.
Mon Dec 23, 2019, 08:38 PM
Dec 2019

Maybe he's reaching the point when he can self-diagnose, and seek the help (medical and social) to enable him to stop drinking entirely.

Would be good if the local hospital is able to recognize this.

Archae

(46,337 posts)
9. Charlotte helped.
Mon Dec 23, 2019, 08:46 PM
Dec 2019


My calico cat, who loves him, and he adores her.

Charlotte gave him a lot of affection until the cops showed up.

CountAllVotes

(20,876 posts)
10. He has just taken the first step
Mon Dec 23, 2019, 08:47 PM
Dec 2019

This first step states, “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable.”

This is Step One from the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book.

I know of many people that have found sobriety with their help.

Hopefully he is on his way to a better life, a new life!

Thank you for being there for him!!

Merry Christmas btw!



Skittles

(153,169 posts)
12. it's a hopeful sign that he reached out for help
Mon Dec 23, 2019, 09:25 PM
Dec 2019

and he knew you would care

Merry Christmas Archae

Dem2theMax

(9,651 posts)
14. You both did good.
Mon Dec 23, 2019, 09:50 PM
Dec 2019

He asked for help. You got it for him.
(There's something wet in my eyes.)

What you did is the true meaning of life.
Taking care of each other.

 

smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts)
15. How sad! It sounds like he is self-medicating some serious depression.
Tue Dec 24, 2019, 12:53 AM
Dec 2019

I am glad he was able to reach out to you and that you were able to help him. That was very kind of you.

Happy Holidays Archae!

OnDoutside

(19,962 posts)
16. At least he's safe for Christmas. I hope he is close to the stage where
Tue Dec 24, 2019, 12:22 PM
Dec 2019

he can accept that he needs to change. Since he's still working, he's a functioning alcoholic. A friend of mine was downing a bottle of whiskey a day while somehow working in a pressure job.

Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»A guy I know was just tak...