Can someone gently talk to me about Chlordiazepoxide please?

[seabuckthorn]

My father has just been given this as he has been diagnosed with alcholism. Although within the family it's unsurprising to my mum, brother and I. My father was probably oblivious. I'm trying to stay positive for my mum but we don't know much about the drug or what the future holds.
He had his first pills today and was very shaky, is this due to complete alcohol withdrawal. Should the GP told him to go cold turkey?
I worry. I have never known him sober so I have no idea what effect the drugs will have. He has courses to go later on and maybe anti d's. He was quite vague so mum will be going to the next app.
Will he recover? I just don't know if he has it in him will power wise. Having never known him not to drink, I just cant get my head round it.
I'm quite confused, we all know he has a huge problem, he isn't a drunk but emotionally abusive and tops himself up. He is very selfish and to be honest not that nice a person but I don't know if that's him or the booze?
Any advice at all? I know it's very sensitive subject and I don't wish to offend anyone. I'm just a bit lost and the fact that it's been recognised he does have a problem has come as a shock.
Big rant, sorry I have noone in RL to talk to about it.

Hi seabuck

Complete alcohol withdrawal without medication isn't recommended for heavy drinkers as can cause seizures etc. chlordiazepoxide helps reduce the physical withdrawal eg shakes, sweats,anxiety.
This is usual given as a reducing dose to allow a safe detox.

You're right that it's the psychological dependence that's harder to break and there's lots of support in groups such as AA.
But this is your DF illness and ultimately only he can choose whether to abstain for good.

It's terrible as a family member to watch someone destroying themselves with addiction but it is His choice.

Total abstinence can be done though and it's wonderful to build a relationship without alcohol with your loved ones.
Hoping for a successful outcome for you all

Would something like this
www.al-anonuk.org.uk/
help at all ,for relatives of alchoholics ?

Must be awful for you all ,and hard for you not to have had a loving father .
Look after yourself .

Thank you both for the kind replies. I will have a look at that link later.
It's really hard for one not having a loving dad. I am the parent not the child. I so wished for a daddy growing up but yes you are right it is his addiction. It's just a shame he has damaged 3 other lives too.
I'm interested to see how this changes his personality. I'm trying hard not to believe without the drink he will become this fantastic dad. But realistically the drink just highlights his unpleasant nature.

It's funny in my adult life I see things so differently.
Thank you again.
Any further advice or experience would be great.