Concerned about mortality

   I've been looking through the forum some, though I can't really find the exact answer I need. My Dad's in his 50's. He's been a heavy drinker since I can remember......beer,Vodka, you name it. He recently had varices rupture in his throat, causing him to vomit blood and pass it in his bowels. He was admitted to the hospital for around 9 days or so. He did well for a while when he got home, but admitted that after a few weeks he sipped some beer.
  The other day he admitted to having more. My brother told me he got drunk, though Dad never admitted to it on his own. He's too proud to get in front of people (even doctors) and admit he's a problem drinker. That will never happen. I think deep down he knows he needs help to quit, but can't figure out how. I want to help all I can.
  I've heard the average life expectancy is around 5 years after diagnosis of Cirrhosis. I'm just kinda curious how true that is, and what can be done, or taken, to prolong it. I've heard about ''Milk Thistle'' but I know it's an herb and probably not FDA approved or tested. I've also read about drinking ''Ensure'' every day. I guess I just need real medical advice, since I never really got that from a doctor, as they always seemed to sneek in or out when no one was there to ask questions. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[watching568]

My uncle just passed away on 9/6/2008 from cirrhosis..I don't know how long he was diagnoised but he started with the bleeding about 4 months ago and had been in and out of the hospital ever since. I think he didn't stop driniking until 2 months ago.
I would call the AA hotline they are in the phonebook and get someone to come over and talk to him maybe that will help him make a decison to stop drinking , he can't do it by willpower the diease of alcoholism is to powerful. This is life and death take care.

[nighthawk5556]

Thanks Buddy, sorry to hear about your uncle. I didn't know you could get AA to come out.