HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Misbehaves After Drinking. Treatment?

My father is drunkard . so when he use drinks he can t love his family. he create many problems. some times he is very cruel. He can t control him self. he is very doubtful person. These problems are arise only when he use drinks. He is not ready for treatment . Then what can i do for his relief . Please Give me good suggestion.
Tue, 29 May 2012
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hi and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your question...

I understand that it can be very distressing to deal with a family member who is addicted to alcohol and who refuses to take any steps to change himself. It is also very difficult to stop any habit or addiction without the motivation and co-operation of the person. Also, most people who abuse alcohol or any other substance have already been told enough number of times by their relatives and friends to stop or cut down the habit. But remember, the very definition of 'addiction' implies that the person has lost control over the substance and is unable to stop or control its use, despite knowing that it can cause him / her harmful consequences.

Now, at the same time, this does not mean that there is no way out. There are a lot of people who have sought help and have been able to quit / control alcohol. One of the key factors in success is to get the person motivated. Merely telling the person repeatedly to stop usually does little good.

I would suggest that the most practical way is to get him to see a doctor whenever you find an opportunity. He may not be willing to see a doctor for his drinking problem, but may be willing to get help for a physical or medical problem, for example stomach pain, vomiting, poor appetite, etc. Once you get him to see the doctor, then that can be used as an opportunity by the doctor to discuss his drinking problem and motivate him to see a psychiatrist for further help.

Once the psychiatrist establishes a good rapport with him, he can gradually win his confidence. In a skilled and professional manner, he is made to understand his situation and realize that it is time for change. His motivation is gradually enhanced and he is taught skills how to prevent relapses and how to adjust / modify his lifestyle accordingly. This process is called Motivational Enhancement and if done professionally by a therapist, can give good and lasting results.

In addition, there are medication which can help - medication which can ease the withdrawal symptoms when he stops alcohol, medication for his psychiatric symptoms such as suspiciousness and medication which can even help reduce the 'craving' i.e. the urge or desire to keep taking the substance.

All the best.

- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Withdrawal symptoms?


Loading Online Doctors....
Misbehaves After Drinking. Treatment?

Hi and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your question... I understand that it can be very distressing to deal with a family member who is addicted to alcohol and who refuses to take any steps to change himself. It is also very difficult to stop any habit or addiction without the motivation and co-operation of the person. Also, most people who abuse alcohol or any other substance have already been told enough number of times by their relatives and friends to stop or cut down the habit. But remember, the very definition of addiction implies that the person has lost control over the substance and is unable to stop or control its use, despite knowing that it can cause him / her harmful consequences. Now, at the same time, this does not mean that there is no way out. There are a lot of people who have sought help and have been able to quit / control alcohol. One of the key factors in success is to get the person motivated. Merely telling the person repeatedly to stop usually does little good. I would suggest that the most practical way is to get him to see a doctor whenever you find an opportunity. He may not be willing to see a doctor for his drinking problem, but may be willing to get help for a physical or medical problem, for example stomach pain, vomiting, poor appetite, etc. Once you get him to see the doctor, then that can be used as an opportunity by the doctor to discuss his drinking problem and motivate him to see a psychiatrist for further help. Once the psychiatrist establishes a good rapport with him, he can gradually win his confidence. In a skilled and professional manner, he is made to understand his situation and realize that it is time for change. His motivation is gradually enhanced and he is taught skills how to prevent relapses and how to adjust / modify his lifestyle accordingly. This process is called Motivational Enhancement and if done professionally by a therapist, can give good and lasting results. In addition, there are medication which can help - medication which can ease the withdrawal symptoms when he stops alcohol, medication for his psychiatric symptoms such as suspiciousness and medication which can even help reduce the craving i.e. the urge or desire to keep taking the substance. All the best. - Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist