Gastroenterologist and internist Dr. Jorge Rodriguez joins their conversation. He says that Nick’s heavy drinking may have already caused damage to his liver and brain. Standing at a table, Dr. Rodriguez shows Nick a live display of an alcoholic’s liver and brain.

See what Nick’s liver and brain will look like if he continues drinking.

Dr. Phil quizzes Cathy on her role in Nick’s alcoholism. “I don’t know what your excuse is. I don’t get why you have been so passive in all this,” he tells her.

Dr. Phil asks Areva Martin about the legal ramifications of Cathy supporting Nick's alcohol abuse. “There can be both criminal and civil liability for the drinker who goes out and kills someone, but there are also civil, and in some states, criminal liability, for a parent who allows a minor to drink alcohol, true?” 

“Absolutely,” Areva says. “In some states there is a law called “vicarious liability” which basically means that you’re responsible for the acts of another, particularly a minor.” Turning to Cathy, Areva adds, “We heard Nick say that you buy him alcohol. So, you’re enabling and creating a situation that could cause him to do bodily harm to someone else.”

“So I'll tell you what we’re going to do,” Dr. Phil says to Cathy. “We’re going to have a little role-playing exercise. Let’s assume the worst has happened, and your son has indeed killed someone drunk driving.”

Cathy agrees to try the role-reversal exercise. She walks to a mock court stand onstage and takes a seat.

Watch Dr. Phil's role-playing exercise with Cathy. How would her story hold up in a courtroom?