How do you walk away from an alcoholic who is a family member

Question

My father is an alcoholic and though i have tried to have a relationship with him things have seemingly gotten worse and worse over this past year.

The other members of the family do not talk to him and so it seems when he calls me the conversation revolves mostly around him ranting about his "anger" over them and how they are and where they are etc..

I end up hanging up the phone feeling upset and full of hurt myself.

I don't even have much of a relationship with the rest of the family myself.

What should i do?

Answer 1

Lauren said it perfectly!!!

Answer 2

Suggest you look into Al-Anon meetings.  They are expressly for the family members of alcoholics.  They can be found on line or in the phone book.  

They meet at least weekly, sometimes far more often.  They can save your sanity.  

In the mean time turn off your phone,  I suspect your alcoholic knows a lot about AA and they are the ones he is supposed to talk to.  

Answer 3

Don't just walk away, help your father overcome his alcohol problem. You can suggest him to enter any rehab center, treatment referral can help you and your father find the best rehab center.

Answer 4

You go to an Al-anon meeting, get a sponsor, and work the steps.

You are not suffering alone.

Answer 5

Been there, done that.

www.soberrecovery.com helped me deal with family members with addictions when I could not go to group meetings.  It has forums for family members of addicts.

Answer 6

Why don't you try to get your father help. I understand that this part is hard but in order for you to help him he has to admit that he has a problem. Speaking from experience I know how you feel. My case was not as extreme as yours but I understand how you feel.

  Why don't you talk to him and have him go to AA meetings. It would be helpful for him if you go with him. That might help him feel better.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

You should say "Dad, your drinking is getting out of hand and I can no longer watch you kill yourself.  It hurts me to see you this way and I can't do it anymore.  I want you to get help and if you don't I am sorry but I am not going to speak with you any longer, I love you and that is why I can't watch you kill yourself any more."  If he really cares he will try get help, good luck!

Answer 8

http://www.aa.org/

Best wishes