How can i help my dad?

[GemmaaSmith]

I am 16 years old, and my dad has been an alcoholic since before i was born.
I have not been living with him since i was 5 but he lives across the road from me,and i seem him sometimes,not as much as i would like though,because im not suposed to see him.
He drinks very very very heavily and get's very angry if he doesnt have a drink or have any hash.
I'm scared for his health, i really dont want him to die anytime soon,i love him more than anything.
I sometimes stay with him when i think hes really depressed,as he stays in a high flat and has talked about killing himself before.I just get very upset to know hes over there by himself,drinking too much,very depressed.Also every time i go and see him he expects me to drink and smoke with him,and gets kinda angry if i dont. I just really want to help him,but i dont know how, could someone please help me and give me some advice?  thanks :)

[boogieman]

hi again. the best resource for dealing with this type situation is alanon. it's hard to help someone who is chemically dependent until they want to help themselves. you could express your feelings to him, but his reaction may or may not be favorable. i will send you info for alanon---its for folks in your situation. take care, gm

[TonnaB]

I'm sorry you're going through this...Please don't let him drag you down with him...Don't drink & smoke with him...You don't want to end up like that, do you?
Honestly, there isn't anything you can do to help him. My husband is an alcoholic. He has been since I've known him...18 yrs. He has never changed & most likely never will. We have a 12 yr old son who is afraid of becoming an alcoholic someday because of what he has seen. He has told him how he feels but it doesn't help. He has never stopped.
My only advice for you is to not go down the road he chose. And while it will always be painful to see him like that, someday you may be emotionally closed off enough to not let him get under your skin.
Vent to your mom about it or your friends...or even here. It's hard to live or love someone with problems like that...Good luck :)

[mtgoat911]

i will post some information about alateen next time i goto a meeting, we only have 2 teens in our alonon group but i am sure they would be willing to talk to you