Alcoholism has been called the "family illness" because it is as damaging to the family as it is to the alcoholic. Alcoholism is a disease of denial, and although the family/friends of an alcoholic may not admit to the illness, their behavior often indicates that a drinking problem exists. The "he" could easily be a "she".

DO YOU . . .

Make excuses for his drinking behavior?

Make sure he wakes up on time to get to work?

Call and tell the boss that he's sick, if he's too hung over to make it?

Drink with him so he won't get so intoxicated?

Encourage him to drink at home so he won't get into trouble?

Resent the money he spends on liquor, and give him money to buy it?

Hide bottles or pour liquor down the drain?

Blame his drinking on his job or his friends?

Try to tie up his free time so he won't have time to drink?

Cover a bad check which he wrote while drinking?

Clean up after his messes?

Defend him in encounters with the police, and provide bail to spare him jail confinement?

"Yes" answers to several question may indicate a drinking problem in your home. Help is available.