Groundhog Day - We've been here before: my Son Boozes Again

Hello again.

At this late hour, I'm blogging in resigned sadness, as our son Tom has started drinking heavily again. The outcome is unlikely to be positive. As he now has a community order over him (for a serious offence while drunk in September last), if he is picked up by the police he could be back before the courts. The result could be a community order again - or going back in jail. (The last jail sentence was quashed by the Appeal Court - with the order as substitute.)

This drinking bout began 3 days ago - he has already been in the local hospital Accident & Emergency twice; he's lucky so far not to have been picked up by police near the scene of his former offence. He has been bringing his alcohol back here so far. Tonight he has not come back for several hours - we don't know where he is just now, but he may well knock on the door about 3 am, as he did last night.

I have at last been driven to taking steps to get Tom rehoused somewhere else away from us, in public or council housing - maybe a special hoistel. His probation officer has said she can help arrange this, and is already making inquiries. His past offence makes it harder to find something suitable or where he is accepted. I have now got a form from the local council, to apply for a local authority flat for Tom. These homes are supplied by housing associations. You have to gain points to qualify for a flat. I've been told it could take a few weeks or longer. We can't take much more of this from Tom - D. has had it up to the limit. We love him, but he is abusing his status here with us. We also know that he is ill (alcoholism is an illness) - but why should we take all the strain?

I will continue with this blog another day - it's late and I'm very tired. Our two lovely new cats, Cleo and Charlie, have been a great comfort - Cleo lay down beside me andpurred as I tried to rest today! I will keep you informed about how all this progresses. I am concerned that Tom might be rearrested soon. I had to cancel many good things we were going to do (including a day trip to Paris this week) - instead we just stay in and wait for news. I try the best I can to follow my Al Anon programme (and readings), which helps me stay calm, and as positive as psosible. It is no good to project too much into the future. Both Tom and I have to rely on our Higher Power (God) to protect us. It is a pity D. does not have any faith and follow this programme too.

Well that's it for today - goodnight, love and peace to all...
Tigey