DEAR ABBY: My 19-year-old son just lost his best friend to suicide. He is deeply hurt and torn over this, and I don't know what I can do to help him. He has been getting drunk ever since it happened.
I went to the funeral with my son, but he didn't want to sit with me. He sat with his friends. After the service, he rode with them to the cemetery, but they somehow got lost in traffic and arrived too late for the burial. I know that's what is hurting him most right now, since he was asked to be a pallbearer and didn't get to do the last thing he could do for his best buddy.
All this took place on Friday; I have not seen my son until now. It is early Sunday morning; he just came home drunk and crying. He went straight to bed, and I could hear him crying himself to sleep.
When I ask him if he's OK, he says yes -- but I know he's not. I'm afraid he is going to get worse, because he's taking this so hard. The boys were as close as brothers. In fact, he was closer to his friend than his own brother.
My heart is breaking for my son, Abby. What can I do for him? -- BROKENHEARTED MOM IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR BROKENHEARTED MOM: Get him into grief counseling immediately. Your son is in pain and needs professional help. Drowning his sorrows in a bottle will not help your son, and could put him in a dangerous situation. He needs a safe place to express his sadness, his anger and his loss. Your family physician or clergyperson can help you locate a therapist or a support group.