Update on my mom...

[RedHedd]

Cagneydog, you're showing great courage in taking the steps you have. I know it's not easy. My friends cared enough about me many years ago to do an intervention on me and it worked. Somehow I was ready to hear what they had to say. I have to encourage you to keep taking the steps you're taking. My doctors knew I was alcoholic long before I did; many of them didn't say anything because they didn't know what or how to say it. Now, years later, one doctor in particular asks me for help when he has an alcoholic patient. Keep up the good work and let us know how it goes.

[CagneyDog]

I really appreciate the replies. Catty1, I don't think we'll have an intervention counsellor. It's hard to find all of that where I live.

So, my mom is going to go to the doctor sometime in the next few days to pick up a new prescription and the doctor will talk to her then.

It's getting so discouraging. She admitted that she had a problem to my dad on the phone a few days ago, but she is back to denying it again.

My dad got her bank statement last month and she had bought 20 bottles of vodka in 1 month. That means that on average some of those bottles didn't even last a day.

I talked with my dad about it last night and apparently this is a large reason why she lost her job, and her marriage. Her drinking has been going on a lot longer than I thouht, but on and off.

What if she dies before we're able to help her

[animal_rescue]

I really hope your mom gets the help soon and I'm glad your family is so caring and willing to pitch in for it.

I'm praying for you, your family, and your mom. I hope she gets the help soon!

[Catty1]

If she does die before she stops?

Remember this: You didn't start her drinking, and you can't stop her. Only she can stop herself, byt getting the help necessary. As they say in AA: "It takes what it takes."

Take all the blame out for you. She is sick. This might run in her family.

If she was diabetic, you wouldn't blame yourself, right?

Alcoholism is an illness too.

Of COURSE this is emotional and horrible for you. Just kick the guilt out, cause you have enough to deal with.

hugs
Catty1

[JenBKR]

If she does die before she stops?

Remember this: You didn't start her drinking, and you can't stop her. Only she can stop herself, byt getting the help necessary. As they say in AA: "It takes what it takes."

Take all the blame out for you. She is sick. This might run in her family.

If she was diabetic, you wouldn't blame yourself, right?

Alcoholism is an illness too.

Of COURSE this is emotional and horrible for you. Just kick the guilt out, cause you have enough to deal with.

hugs
Catty1

You worded that so well. It IS an illness, and NOT your fault. CagneyDog, I think you are an incredible person for going through everything you have with her and helping her. I too hope that she realized how much you and your family care for her and tried to quit on her own. It sounds to me like she's making progress so far, even if just baby steps. ((((hugs))))

[Kfamr]

I'm so sorry to read this, Lindsey.
I want to echo what everyone's said about it not being your fault. That couldn't be anymore true!

I hope things look up in the future. I know they have for me, as my mother used to have a major problem. She has reduced her consumption greatly and I'm proud of her.


Kay

[DrKym]

I know how hard this is for you. Please make sure your friend gets you to the alateen meetings. If her physician cannot broach it with her (and he might not be able to HIPPA laws) he can recommend therapy. Please understand that there are a lot of resources out there to get help from. You cannot control anothers behavior but you can control yours. I am not sure if you are in school or a minor if so please make sure that you and the rest of the family make the school aware of the issue,there are organizations that they can contact to help her. Unless she hits "bottom" she won't benefit from help and only she will know what her "bottom" is. Our family will keep you in our prayers.