“My 20-year-old son, Nick, started drinking heavily in his freshman year of college. He’s gone to the hospital for alcohol poisoning five times last year and 11 times this year,” Cathy says.

“On average, I’ll drink half a liter to a liter of hard alcohol five to seven days a week,” Nick says. “Some of the crazy things I’ve done when I’m really drunk is pee in my pants, and I’ve blacked out several times. On one occasion, I pulled down my pants and took a poop on the bedroom floor.”

“When Nick is away at school, he’ll call me up saying he has no money for food. So, I’ll put money in his account,” Cathy explains.

 Despite confronting him about his drinking, Nick says Cathy still continues to financially support his habit and has even purchased alcohol for him.

In October 2011, Nick returned to the hospital for alcohol poisoning. He had a blood alcohol level of .50. “In 2011, Nick has been to alcohol detox three times. He needs to stop drinking. I just can’t do it anymore,” Cathy laments.

“So, you think you have a handle on your drinking?” Dr. Phil asks Nick.

“Yes,” he says. “If I don’t want to drink, I won’t drink. I feel like if I want to stop at anytime, I can.”

“Do I look like I’m buying this?” Dr. Phil asks Nick. “What I want to do is grab you and shake you until your damn teeth rattle.”