Suggest Treatment For An Alcoholic

Posted on Fri, 18 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 Answered on

Thu, 8 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been trying to care for an alchaholic for the last 3 weeks,I do not live with him but call to see he has eaten .
I called tonight & he is so weak he can hardly walk & is sleeping most of the time between drinking.
I am worried he might go unconscious, is there anything I can do

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Alcoholism

Detailed Answer:
What you are describing is actually a dangerous situation. I would call emergency services and/or take this person to the hospital for an evaluation. Alcohol binges can be lethal, as can alcohol withdrawal during or after a binge. Seizures, coma, and death can result. I would take this very seriously and seek medical attention.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (10 minutes later)

I have tried to get him to a hospital but he will not go, should I get an ambulance , & suffer the abuse

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Call an ambulance

Detailed Answer:
Yes, for this person's health and safety, I recommend calling an ambulance. If you are worried about abuse, report this either to the doctors at the hospital, or seek help from an abuse hotline.

tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (17 minutes later)

I'm not with him at the moment , but intend to go around in the morning , he was just sleeping when I left .
Will do as you said first thing in the morning thanks

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
You're welcome!

Detailed Answer:
You're very welcome.

Dr. Sheppe

Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar