Simple. If he's drinking or drunk you DON'T deal with him.
If he's stone cold sober be aware that drinking is most likely at the forefront of his mind every moment. If he remains sober for the first few weks, understand that pretty much anything you hear him say -good or bad- is the addiction talking.
Does he have ANYONE he respects who doesn't abuse alcohol?
THe first few weeks you get realy angry at any little thing, I know I did. I didn't use AA or and 12 step programs as they never helped me, a Type A personality. We don't deal with powerlessness but with being in control of our lives. I haven't drank in 3 months and have no urge to (now). Anyway, it was FRIENDS that helped me when I needed to be distracted from drinking.
I have 3 friends who drink responsibly, if at all, and I called then a LOT.
