Getting Someone Sober

We must begin with the rather startling possibility that nobody can actually get anyone else sober. That's up to God. That being said, we still have an overpowering desire to do so when we see good people being churned up in a vat of alcohol, so . .

Books

Informationally we begin with Under the Influence: A Guide to the Myths and Realities of Alcoholism,followed by Alcoholics Anonymous - Big Book 4th Edition.You can actually just get the first 163 pages of this text in an abbreviated form, which might be a little less off-putting.

The first book is the finest documentary on the medical dynamic of alcoholism, the second the finest solution every proposed to alcoholism.

As to making an intervention on someone and his drinking, maybe start with something like Getting Them Sober: You Can Help!and branch out from there.

Treatment

The very best treatment anywhere might well be to walk into a nearby meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. It's free, it's everywhere, and it works.

Having said that, many still prefer the expensive route, those who tend to throw money at problems, of course, and those with sufficient medical insurance. There is also the very real possibility of dying in withdrawal from alcohol (which is one reason to head to a "detox" or "spin-dry" of the sort usually found in a hospital).

Picking a treatment program (or center) then becomes an issue. You might start with the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In the Mid-Atlantic Seaboard Father Martin's program at Havre de Grace, Maryland . .

Ashley Inc
DBA Father Martin's ASHLEY
800 Tydings Lane
Havre De Grace, MD 21078
(800)799-4673

Primary Focus: Substance abuse treatment services
Services Provided: Substance abuse treatment, Detoxification
Type of Care: Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)
Forms of Payment Accepted: Self payment, Private health insurance

Intakes: (410) 273-6600x213 (800)-799-HOPE Hotline: (800) 799-4673x213

Website: http://www.fathermartinsashley.org

. . continues to get raves. Nationally, and of international repute, you might consider the Betty Ford Center or Hazelden.

Most treatment programs can help you with an intervention strategy, if not the intervention itself.

Websites

--CRAFT: An Alternative to Intervention
--Getting Them Sober
--Sober.com

The only thing that has ever worked for me is praying for the guy, but I remain ever hopeful for other approaches.