Brody's Mum, I just want to tell you how much I admire you for your bravery in admitting that you have a problem. I have been reading this thread occasionally and just wanted to say how much I respect the people here for being there for other members no matter what the situation. The caring and compassion on this board never ceases to amaze me.

I haven't read every post but the ones by Catty1 have been helpful to me to see into the mind of an alcoholic. Your honesty and help in get those of us not suffering with this disease to understand it is certainly appreciated. Do you all realize that there are probably many lurkers out there who have never joined PT but are coming here to get help through this thread.

My husband's sister was married to an alcoholic. Beer was his beverage of choice. He knew he had a problem and even was hospitalized due to alcoholism but returned to it after he was released. He finally was able to give it up when my niece was pregnant with his first grandchild. He didn't want his granddaughter to grow up knowing her grandfather was an alcoholic. How my SIL ever stayed with him I'll never know. I could tell you stories.....

Unfortunately he died in January of 1999. My SIL found him dead in the living room recliner. He often couldn't sleep after giving up booze and would go downstairs to watch TV until he felt tired. She came down one Saturday morning to find him asleep in the recliner. This was not unusual and she went to prepare coffee as she normally did. When she came to put it on the end table by the recliner he didn't reach for it. It was only then that she realized he was dead.

The cause of death was heart disease brought on by alcholism. His hospitalization several years before had been for heart damage due to drinking. In the end, even after giving up drinking, it took his life.

I encourage you and anyone reading this to know that alcoholism kills. Please, please nothing in a bottle is worth dying over. I know I don't understand the compulsion so I am not one to give advice. Thankfully others on this board are better able to do that. I just wanted to share a very painful experience with you to let you know the horrible path alcohol can take you down.