“My son is a prisoner of alcohol”

Your son suffers not only from a relapse but also from its consequences: the end of his married life, the loss of his job as well as the trust of people who could and wanted to help him. You yourself find yourself helpless, Pierre. You could open the door to Alcoholics Anonymous with him to allow him to meet other people in his situation. If Bertrand does not want to hear about this possible support, the best thing would be for him to be hospitalized in an addiction department. If he refuses it, you will have to request his compulsory hospitalization. I hope it doesn’t come to this. And to avoid it, you can tell him: “Your only chance is to be hospitalized. ” For what ? Because in such a setting, he will benefit from day-to-day support and subsequent follow-up can be organized. Because addiction treatment must also take into account the risk of relapse. The first cure may, in fact, not be conclusive; a second, or even a third, might prove necessary. It is important not to give up. Tell Bertrand. You have a role to play, Pierre: to give hope to your son and to stand by his side.