Risks of Vicodin and Alcohol Use in Seniors: A Clear Explanation

Question
My dad has had leg pain and has started taking vicodin 10 mg for it after a cox II inhibitor did not seem to be helping.  He drinks a lot already.  Can you help me by explaining to me (which I'll convey to him) in layman's terms why it's so bad to take vicodin chronically, combined with daily alcohol use?  In other words, he's a 65 year old man and I want to give him a clear factual picture of why it's bad for him.  He doesn't even believe germs are real, so his science background is shakey to say the least.  (I'm a nurse).

Answer
taking vicodin (hydrocodone) is a narcotic... the more he takes, the more he will get used to it and it won't work as well.  Then, he will build up dependency on the medications and he will need to take it just to prevent withdrawal symptoms.   Mixing with alcohol will only complicate things.  Also have to worry about too much tylenol in the vicodin along with alcohol that may damage the liver.  Overall, you are right... he shouldn't be taking this chronically.

Hope this helps...