Hey Nici,
My Dad is 60 and an alcoholic....my childhood was fine...his drinking wasn't a problem until my parents divorced. (I was 19) My Dad loves to call and talk about NOTHING!! He lives in a secluded area and has nothing to do......well he DOES live on the lake.....he COULD do something else, but he CHOOSES not to. That is what I have had to learn.....they are adults and have made their own choices....the only thing we can do is CHOOSE what we will put up with and what we won't. When I see my Dad's number on the caller ID....I have to make a choice whether or not I want to hear him drunk....sometimes I choose yes and sometimes no. I would love to be able to say..."Dad, you have been drinking, please call me when you are sober, goodbye", but I haven't gotten there yet. These things take time!!
I love Smoke's idea....start small and work your way up. Pick up some literature on alcoholism and start reading.....
Constant