So, to take the car keys or not...
 

What are your thoughts on this? You know someone is binge drinking, for days, and they have access to the car. They WILL drive to get more liquor, or to do whatever, and you know they will drive drunk. It's not a one night thing where too much has been had at a party. It's an alcoholic that you know is drunk, been drinking for days, will get more, will drive drunk to go do it, and will have the open container in the car, possibly driving until they black out.

Do you take the keys? After all, they are a gown adult, responsible for themselves and their own recovery, right? But, it puts everyone else at risk, and yourself financially and ethically, if he kills someone, or himself.

So, how do you decide this one? I've heard many people not taking the keys and letting whatever happens, happen. Me, I think I'd have to take them.

Maybe the issue is are you trying to control the drinking, or the safety of innocents and one needs to look at motives?

That's a really tough choice..... I don't think there is a right or wrong answer as both have a valid argument to them.

I think it also depends on the risk for yourself.

Is it your car or car insurance?


It is a hard decision. Sorry you are in the situation to make it.

I personally would take the keys and hide them. That's just me.

I would take the keys. Yes a little controlling but really it might safe someone else life or for now his own. Just my thoughts of course.

Do you know how to disable the car? ;)

My decision would be an easy one, if he gets behind the wheel, call the sheriff/police. I've done it before and would not hesitate to do it again.

That reminds me. Ex had a motor scooter and I was sure he was going to kill himself riding crazy and drunk without a helmet.

He isn't mechanically inclined, so during drinking binges I would go to the garage and pull out the spark plugs.

He never figured it out, but it would never start when he was drinking

Well, because you can't live with him you're not there to see if he drinks and gets behind the wheel. But you do see him everyday so you know he's passed out unless he's going to the liquor store. he is on your insurance.

I'd still take and hide the keys.

I take the keys too. I've done it many a time. Usually the Drinker(s) then would either walk or get a taxi to get more booze/go home. Both options are very reasonable in the small town I live in.

My concern is not usually the alcoholic, but myself. I do this at my home. I am responsible. I can be held legally responsible for allowing a drunk to drive, especially because I am usually not drinking at all.

I took the alcoholic off my insurance policy. It was my daughter.