Originally Posted by
Sailvi767
Alcoholism is a addiction. That is why the constant posts about just telling someone to call in sick are the worst possible advice. The only way to have any reasonable chance of solving the problem is to get the individual into treatment. Alcohol is the drug of choice for getting high in most parts of the world. Those with a addiction to it lose all rational ability to understand what it does to their families and careers.
Not everyone who shows to work under the influence is an alcoholic/problem drinker. Sometimes it's simply a mistake, or the result of a severe trauma in an individuals live that temporarily gets the better of them. In those cases, 'calling in sick' is an appropriate short term solution. I went through a period like that ~30 years ago, after getting dumped by my (former) fiance. I don't think I ever showed up drunk for work, but I was pretty hungover a few times...
However if it's happening on a regular basis - then you're correct, the person needs help.