I’m 40. I never got the memo about growing up. There was never an adult moment. When I was half my age, life had a lot more promise and that commonality drives a lot of the more balanced interactions. What you can’t really understand at a much younger age is how alone and lonely the world becomes with age for most people. That hopeful promise fades, and with it goes purpose and hope. Dreams and intentions pass you by and mistakes haunt you. This drives many to a hedonistic place of connections with anyone that lets the person return to a carefree time of hopefulness or anywhere but this reality.
He likely lacks meaningful connections and turns to his only social outlet. If he has the depth, he needs a hobby or interest that helps him to connect with more stable people.
Growing up is hard. My dad was my hero, now im older and I can see all the flaws he has. When you have a drunk in the family it’s so hard to balance keeping yourself safe and helping them. My dad managed to give up alcohol at 60 and now he’s 2 years sober. I couldn’t be prouder of him for it.