My Father Is An Addict And I 'm Scared For Him

I learned that my father was using drugs about 12 years ago. When I found out, I was shocked and hurt. His image is not one that would support this revelation. He has a very good job and maintains a comfortable life. I guess he is a functioning addict. I'm not even sure that he is one. He stays away from the stuff for days months or weeks at a time but when he is on it he is a completeley different person. It's like Dr. Jeckell and Mr Hyde. I don't know him then. I haven't seen him high too many times. He tries very hard to keep it away from me. I think he is ashamed. Yet in still, I am so confused one minute he is the loving father I have always known and the next he's rude, obnoxious and arrogant. He actually lives two lives. The drug life and his wall street professional image. Maybe if he was one way I could deal with it but the rollercoaster ride is too much. I never know how long he is going to be clean. Sometimes I never want to talk to him again and sometimes I actually don't but he always comes back to old loving self and my heart melts. How can I make him get help? I think he is using either crack or cocaine. I know I can't make him stop, he has to want the help but what about an intervention? I can go on forever!! I just don't want him to die of an overdose one day.
It sounds from what you say that your father has a serious problem. Just because he has a job does not mean he is not an addict. The job seems to be the last thing to go and may in fact provide the income for his drug use.

Is there someone else in your family you can talk to who will support you in your concern? I say support you in your concern, because sometimes when a person such as yourself with very valid, concrete evidence of addiction talks to a family member or close friend, their concerns are dismissed because the person can still function - that is hold a job, look good, etc. My hope for you is that you do find someone who is supportive.

Regardless of your age getting family support is important. It is common for family members not to discuss the alcohol or drug use of a family member. Talking about it brings it out in the open.

Regading, intervention, yes, calling to find out about intervention is a good thing to do, even it turns out not to be feasible. By you doing something, you are starting the process of taking care of yourself in relation to your father's disease.

hi.
is your mom around??what does she have to say about this?