Suggest Treatment For An Alcoholic

Posted on Thu, 17 Sep 2015

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

Thu, 17 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

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