ArcaMax

Dear Amy: I have an alcoholic friend who is trying to quit drinking.

We go out once in a while to have lunch or dinner and I’m wondering -- would it be wise to have only one alcoholic beverage?

I would think tapering off alcohol slowly and supervised would be better for him than stopping completely.

I want to be helpful.

– Concerned Friend

Dear Concerned: If you are an addiction specialist, then by all means you could try to coach your friend through tapering off of alcohol and supervise his consumption. Otherwise, I believe it would be best for you to avoid alcohol completely when you are with him.

For some addicts, any contact with their drug will trigger their addiction. One drink at lunch could lead to a binge later.

Some people might be able to effectively reduce and possibly manage their drinking by choosing to change their habits, but an alcoholic in the throes of addiction could not be expected to be able to do this.

It would be wisest for you to support your friend’s recovery by pointing him toward in- or out-patient rehab, attending 12-step meetings, and reckoning with your own powerlessness over his disease.

Dear Amy: Regarding "Worried Dad,” whose 20-something kids had bad hygiene, bad eating habits, and a habit of leaving messes, you left out the possibility that the boys are suffering from depression, particularly if this is a change from their habits in the past. I'd strongly recommend they be diagnosed by a physician knowledgeable about this insidious disease.

– Been There

Dear Been There: This father did not indicate any change in their habits, but I agree that a medical screening is always wise, especially for young men, who tend to avoid going to the doctor.

========

(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)

©2022 Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.