Dear Annie: My friend needs help with her drink but I'm afraid to suggest anything

Dear Annie: I have a friend whom I will call “Scott.” We have known each other for about 15 years and have been retired for the last few years. He enjoyed working before retiring due to the closure of the factory.
Now Scott drinks from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. He is in a good mood in the morning, but by 2 o’clock he becomes a completely depressed person. He’s trying to tell you that the world is a mess compared to when we were growing up. It’s hard to listen to him talk about this.
I want to tell him he needs help but I’m afraid to do it. I can’t even hang out with him because of his problem. I know where to send him for help, but I have no idea how to get him there. — I Want My Friend Back

Dear Request: Your concern about Scott is completely valid. It sounds like he’s been stuck in a bad place for a while and may not even realize how out of control things are.
Share your concerns with him when he is sober. If he is open, let him know that you want to help him and ultimately want to see him happy again. You can’t force Scott to stop drinking, but reminding him that he has you cheering in his corner may help more than you think. Also check out the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. You’re sure to hear helpful advice from people who’ve been there.

Send questions to Annie Lane at: [email protected].

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