I watched the entire show, and not once was it mentioned or suggested that in addition to any other help and treatment Dr. Phil was offering, he didnt ask the Mother or Father why they didnt attend a 12 Step Program. Since the Mother seems to be the only adult availabe to help, why hasn't she insisited that her children go to Al-Ateen, and why has she not gone to Al-Anon?? She works with these type of patients, yet she hasnt seen to seek help from these wonderful programs for her daughters and for herself. They have to save themselves-he has the resources he can reach out to. Since most people dont have the wonderful benefit of attending the treatment center of Dr. Phils choice, I think Dr. Phil should have educated his viewing audience that these programs are a wonderful start and a place to go to help. My ex accepted his addiction, went to treatment, got & stayed sober, and attended meetings everyday when he came home. I went to Al-Anon, stayed out of his program, worked on my program, and my issues, and and 7 more years in our respective programs, he decided to leave me for someone he met in AA. Devestating-you bet-at the time but 14 years later I am happier & stronger that I have ever been. We grew apart, which sometimes happens in recovery, but I truely believe a Higher Power, knew that was the best was for us. If I hadnt had Al-Anon and my friends, I would not have made it. My sponsor was my rock & I called her all hours of the day or night, and she was always there for me.
Dr. Phil-PLEASE get the word out about these wonderful, live saving fellowships. They can provide the anchor that holds you up in the boat, until you are strong enough to take up the paddles, and paddle for yourself. Al-Ateen is wonderful too. Please mention this on a future show.
May God Bless and hold this family in his care. I will be praying for them.
(Original Air Date: 10/25/07) Should teens have to police a parent who is drug-addicted or just overall irresponsible? Robert, a father of two, has been in rehab six times in the past four years for an alcohol addiction. He says he drinks so often that his 14-year-old daughter, Keryn, pours out his beer daily, cleans up his bloody wounds after drunken falls and walks him home to prevent the police from arresting him! Robert's wife, Eileen, says she feels torn between protecting her children and loyalty to her husband. Will she stop enabling Robert's addiction, and will Robert get the wake-up call he desperately needs? Keryn has been her father's overseer for so long, is it too late to reverse their roles? Share your thoughts, join the discussion.
