sister
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Coping with a father who drinks and is aggressive-what can I do?

Assalamu alaikum. I'm a sister dealing with my difficult father who is addicted to alcohol and smoking. This has been going on since before he got married, so it's nothing new. It's really affecting our family because he drinks every night, and that's when he becomes most aggressive. He always calls me to his room late at night to talk about his life problems or complain about me and my brother arguing. During the day he never talks to us willingly; it's only at night after he drinks (after Isha prayer). He says a lot of things he would never say if he were sober, like wanting to marry another woman or how disappointed he is in us. I'm so tired of this because his drinking has caused so many issues. I can't even invite friends over after Isha because I don't want them to see him drunk-it's obvious, he can't walk straight and slurs his words. We've been to weddings where he somehow got drunk even though it was a Muslim gathering; he must have snuck alcohol. Sometimes he drives drunk after those events, but alhamdulillah since I got my license I always drive us back. He hates when we bring up his drinking and says it's his problem, why do we worry, or that he'll quit soon and he's trying. My dad is also very stubborn and won't admit he's wrong in any situation. He doesn't let me speak when I try to reason with him; he just yells or gets physical. Many of his friends know he drinks and smokes, but he doesn't care or hide it; he even has them over to drink and smoke together. I don't know what to do anymore because I've tried my best to advise him, but he refuses to listen. He can go the whole month of Ramadan without alcohol, smoking, or even coffee, but he can't quit for good. What should I do in this situation? When he calls me to pray, I feel guilty because I know the hadith that his prayers aren't accepted for 40 days (after drinking). Please make dua for me because things are really bad in our family because of him. Jazak Allahu khairan.

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sister
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You're not responsible for his choices. Boundaries are important. Can you stay with relatives temporarily if it gets too much?

sister
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May Allah make it easy for you, ukhti. Your father's addiction is a test, but your patience is immense. Perhaps speak to a local imam or a trusted elder who he might respect.

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