Dear Emily,

Extreme Phobia’s are usually rooted in irrational fears and/or some type of past trauma. I’m a afraid there’s not much you can do for him other than support him.

He’s going to have to go to a therapist that will be able to help him uncover the root of the alcohol phobia and then to work through this issue so that he can be around alcohol.

He really needs to address this issue because in our society alcohol is everywhere. If he has such extreme reactions to people drinking, then I’m afraid he won’t have much of a life outside of his own house.

Encourage him to seek help and support him. I think not much will be accomplished before this holiday period, so you may have to make some adjustments to your holiday plans to accommodate him. Perhaps spend time at his house and just do your own family functions solo this year.

Don’t force him to come along which could make things even worse by the embarrassment that could most likely result. It’s so nice that you love him enough to want to help him with his alcohol phobia.

Kind regards,

Ted