I have a friend who is struggling with alcoholism. They try to quit and then  end up going back.
it actually helped
it was good
No
Good afternoon, what can I help you with today?
assistant
Question
I have a friend who is an alcoholic and just can't seem to quit drinking. They quit for a couple of weeks but always seem to go back.
user
null,null
I'm sorry to hear that, that is a rough situation to be dealing with. What's very important for you to know is that you cannot control another person's actions.
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance,Providing Suggestions
It is. I care for them a great deal and do not like to see them this way. I just do not know how to help them anymore.
user
null,null
It's difficult for those close to an alcoholic to watch them destroy themselves. I will tell you that you can only take care of yourself. And you can only be honest with them about how their actions affect you.
assistant
Reflection of feelings,Reflection of feelings
He is a wonderful person when he isn't drinking, but is argumentative when they drink I do, we have talked over and over about how this affects both of us. And he cares when he is sober, but it doesn't seem to be enough to keep him from going back.
user
null,null
You may need to take some time away from the friendship then. To show him you are serious that you can't tolerate the behavior any longer.
assistant
Providing Suggestions
I get that, but I am the person closest to him and he needs my support
user
null
That's understandable. But if you continue trying the same solution over and over again, but are getting the same result...
assistant
Providing Suggestions
true, but I do not think that not being here would help. it would only hurt him
user
null
In that case, you should be sure to shore up your defenses and be prepared, because it will be hard. You are a good friend, but don't lose yourself to save him. Consulting some literature for friends and family of alcoholics may be useful as well, Al-Anon or something like that.
assistant
Providing Suggestions,Affirmation and Reassurance
That is a good idea. I do worry that he would be upset if I shared this with others he might know He is a really sweet person and worth the effort to help. he had a lot to give. has
user
null,null,null,null
You should be able to find online Al-Anon groups, too. I'm sure he does. Don't forget that you do as well.
assistant
Others,Affirmation and Reassurance
I had not thought of that. I thought you had to go to the meetings and that would be hard for me to do. I will definitely look into that! I appreciate the suggestion!
user
null,null
It looks like they do offer online chats: http://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings
assistant
Providing Suggestions
And thank you for saying that I have things to give, I forget about myself in this sometimes Thank you so much for that information. I had no idea!
user
null,null
So much like this chat here, you wouldn't even have to give your real name, nothing identifying, just support for you. Supporting an alcohol is exhausting, and you will need resources. And a place to vent.
assistant
Others,Others
That is sooo true! Sometimes I just cry because I do not know what to do anymore.
user
null
Try not to demonize your own frustrations, be easy on yourself when it comes to feeling upset with the situation, and continue trying to let him know that he hurts you when he behaves like that.
assistant
Reflection of feelings
Having a person to let me know I am not alone and give some support would be very helpful! That is great advice! I am going to look into that.
user
null,null
Absolutely :-) I hope that it helps. You sound like a very kind-hearted person, and I understand that your situation is complex. Just remember that you are as deserving of relief as he is. They always tell you on an airplane to put on your oxygen mask first, then others in your group.
assistant
Reflection of feelings,Others
And thank you for reminding me that I matter too! It helps very much! I can't thank you enough!
user
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