TeenHealthFX - Answers - My Brother Drinks Too Much

When Friends & Family Use & Abuse / Question
Published: March 10, 2004

Dear TeenHealthFX,

My brother drinks a lot and I was wondering what steps I could take to help him slow down. He is not even 21 and he can get very violent. Please help me learn more about alcoholism. I don't want him, me or anybody else to get hurt.

Signed: My Brother Drinks Too Much

Dear My Brother Drinks Too Much,

It is understandable that you are concerned about your brother's drinking - especially if he gets violent. It may be difficult to get him to slow down or even stop without some help from your parents and/or a substance abuse specialist

It may be helpful to understand the difference between alcohol misuse, abuse and dependence. A person misuses alcohol when they experience the negative consequences of alcohol use. This could include getting in trouble by a parent for underage drinking or more seriously, a drunken driving arrest. Alcohol abuse is defined as continued use of alcohol despite negative consequences. This could include a high school student getting grounded by his parents. Right after his grounding is completed; he goes to a party and gets drunk. Addiction/dependence (alcoholism) is the compulsive use of alcohol regardless of the consequences. When someone is an alcoholic, they become physically dependent and their body needs alcohol. Click Alcohol Truths for some trigger questions that may be able to give you some more insight into your brother's situation.

When a person becomes violent when they drink, it often is an indicator that something else is going on with that person. Whether it is an unresolved problem or anger, alcohol can cause a person to lower their inhibitions and release their anger in unproductive ways.

FX is glad that you mentioned that you were interested in learning more about prevention. While you may not be able to stop others, educating yourself about the negative affects of alcohol use can assist you in making an informed decision whether it is worth it to you. Check your family history - often alcoholism runs in families. If it is in your family, you are at risk for developing the disease yourself.

Talking to your brother may help, but getting your parents involved may be an important first step. He may be angry with you for intervening, but damaging himself or hurting someone else may have lifelong consequences.

For information on treatment, and you live in the Northern New Jersey area, you can contact the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888.247.1400. If you live outside Northern New Jersey, call Alcoholics Anonymous or your local alcohol treatment program.

Signed: TeenHealthFX