Shari,
Im so sorry you are going through this right now.
Alcoholism also runs in my family. My entire JW family seems to abuse some type of substance, be it alchohol, prescribed drugs, you name it. Maybe to get past the guilt, who knows. My grandfather drank and had to cut it out all together in order to get a handle on it. My uncle was recently in the hospital because he was bleeding out. His liver is only partially functioning and his blood count was down to six. The Dr.s were amazed he was still living. He refused a blood transfusion, of course but accepted some expanders etc. He continues to drink and slowly kill himself.
Most alcoholics cant have just one drink. Once they start drinking, they cant stop so its best to cut it out all together.
Programs with therapy exist for this type of abuse. Unfortionatly, the alcoholic doesnt usually participate until they have been caught numerous times by the authorities and they are given the choice of either that or jailtime. Sometimes their employer will give the alcoholic a push and even pay for the program if they cooperate.
Hes so young Shari. I can only imagine how hard to have this problem and survive as a teen in this day and age.
Maybe you could give him the link to this thread just to let him know how worried you are.
I really wish I could be of some help. So many things are so big and scary for us to take on. Sometimes maybe they should be handled by professionals.
Take Care Shari, You are such a sweetheart.
I wish only the best for you and your son.