The rape allegations made by his ex-girlfriend against my son shock me

DEAR DEIDRE, EVER since my son was arrested for allegedly raping his ex-girlfriend, I have found myself drinking every night to drown out my pain and fear.

He is out on bail, but I am devastated and worry about him from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed.

My son is 23 and I am his 48-year-old father. He broke up with his 21-year-old girlfriend three months ago.

He said it was consensual because they had grown apart. She saw it differently.

She took revenge by accusing him of sexual assault, which he vehemently denies.

I manage to go to work and act normal, but inside I am devastated.

My wife thinks I’m exaggerating and tells me that everything will be fine because our son is innocent.

And the close friends I confided in told me I needed to stop thinking too much.

I have an appointment with my doctor next week, but I’m not sure if I should ask about medication.

I drink almost a bottle of wine every evening.

I know I have to be strong and be there for my family.

DEIDRE SAYS: A false accusation of a sex crime has devastating effects not only on a young man but also, more broadly, on his family.

For help, contact the False Allegations Support Organisation (false-allegations.org.uk, 0844 335 1992).

Tell your GP you drink too much and visit drinkaware.co.uk (020 7766 9900).