As many have said I dont have any answers either, but I will just tell you that about eight years ago a friend of mine took to the bottle when her husband died very suddently, in front of her. She'd always enjoyed a drink, but after this shock she got worse and after about 12 months I just couldnt cope with her drinking anymore. She moved, not far away, but I didnt keep in touch.

Last week I heard that she'd died aged 59 of liver disease.

I have never felt so guilty, so absolutely crap, that I walked away and did nothing to try and help my friend.

Dont give up on him - I did and I've never regretted anything so much.