I'm an alcoholic - but I've been sober for 14 years. One thing the alcoholic needs is for folks to be honest with him. It's the one disease that convinces you that you don't have it. Don't rescue the man. Until he hits bottom he won't be willing to get the help he needs. Trust me - I've been a Davey Graham type - but I was able to make it back. He can too. Assuming that alcohol is the real problem. If he has the capacity to be honest with himself he can turn his life around.