My friend needs help with his drinking.

[Horiz]

One of my good buddies just revealed to me in a drunken phone call that he drinks almost every night and has done for months at least. I've known this guy for about 10 years, I went to school with him and we still hang out every week or two.

We aren't exactly close or anything but he seems to look up to me, and he knows I'm very knowlageable about addiction and general drug use, so as a friend, he has turned to me for help.

I myself am not a drinker, never have been, I therefore do not have much experience or knowlage when it comes to the mental side of it, the cravings etc.

So far I have determined that he drinks for 2 reasons. One is he has a terrible family life, his parents are constantly fighting, I believe both his parents are alcoholics or close to it, he also doesn't have many friends because of his general pessimistic attitude towards life. He is very definately depressed but I believe it's entirely because of his circumstances, even some of his friends treat him like dirt, use him for weed etc.

The other reason is difficulty sleeping. Again, I believe this is purely circumstantial(spelling?) depression.

I've been personally been through a lot of depression and I believe I can help him with his life, but I must act now before he falls deeper into the forgotten void.

So I ask you, Drugs Forum; can you help me help him? I don't wish to get doctors or psychiatrists involved yet because the current health system in this area is a complete joke.

So I'm looking for advice on alcoholism, how to get him into hobbies to distract his attention, how to prevent relapse, even words of encouragement I can pass on to him would be great.

Thank you if you have read this far, help me save my friend's life.