Liz.. I don`t envy you your oncoming battle. Unfortunately in the UK there is still the the old 'Doctor/ Father/ God ' brigade to get by. Do not lose the "fired up" feeling .. that`s what they count on.
I lost a young cousin because his doctor gave the family the old "give him two asprin and I will see him in the morning routine" when this guy did show up he was drunk. He is now practicing in Canada.. God help them!