Drinking Problem/Addiction?

Question

I have a mother that seems to have a drinking problem. She tries to hide her drinks, act like she hasn't drunken anything, or just anything she can possibly do to hide the fact that she doesn't have a problem with it. It seems as if she has to drink everyday or VERY close to everyday.

I've talked to her more than 25 times it counting, no lie. I've prayed for years. I've tried to pour out her drinks/bottles. I've done EVERYTHING I could possible do.

It seems like nothing will help me. What should I do?

She tells me she'll quit more than 20 times, and never has. She's sweared, promised, and all that. I'm scared for her because I know it's possible to get lung cancer, and she's already had surgery for a tumor in her stomach, so it makes me even MORE scared.

Someone PLEASE tell me what to do. I've been as patient as I could.

Answer 1

Sounds like mom is an alcoholic. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink. She needs to make the decision to get herself some help. You expressed your concern all of those times and nothing happened. Make sure you speak to her when she is sober and not drinking. Tell her that you are concerned about her health and that if she refuses to get help you cannot sit back and watch her kill herself. It's hard but she may have to hit rock bottom before she admits that she has a problem and needs help. She is in denial now and is trying to cover up her problem. Good luck.

Answer 2

There is absolutely nothing you can do to make your mother stop drinking but you can get help for yourself. Think about attending an Alanon meeting...these are 12 step meetings for family members and friends of alcoholics. I know this is not what you want to hear but sometimes all you can do is take care of yourself and pray for the other person...you must give this up to God. She drinks because she likes the effects of alcohol. Nothing you say or do will cause her to stop. She will simply hide the drinks, or minimize how much she uses. Talking, coaxing, manipulation, threatening...these tactics never work. The alcoholic or the person with the addiction must finally become weary of the negative consequences of drinking and decide to get help. Your mother may do this and she may not. However you can stop the cycle of addiction in your family by becoming educated. Again please consider an Alanon meeting. Good luck my dear.

Answer 3

I know what you are going through. I grew up with a father like that. You will find that your behavior is co-dependent, and unfortunately there is nothing you can really do right now. She has to hit rock bottom, no matter how hard it may be for you to watch this. And as her kid, you are going to want to help and protect her. the only thing I can tell you is to step back, try and find a way to put yourself in a better position and hope she hits rock bottom. She will not get help or quit until she realizes that she has nothing to gain. Whatever her rock bottom may be.

Answer 4

It sounds to me like your mother is an alcoholic. And unfortunately there is absolutely nothing you can do to help her. SHE has to want help first and has to make the decision to try to stop herself. I feel bad because I know what you're going through. My Dad was an alcoholic and I also tried everything to get him to stop. Then I realized that I couldn't do anything but be there when he decided on his own he wanted to quit.

I'd like to suggest that you try an Al-Anon program. It's a support group for people who have loved one(s) who are alcholics or addicts.
At the very least you can talk to others in the same situation and know that you are far from alone. Good luck and many blessings to you.

Answer 5

You need to get in to a support group for yourself so you can understand what she's going through and how to help. One group that I can think of, off the top of my head, is adult children of alcoholics. I don't know if that would meet your needs or not, at least find a counselor you can talk about your concerns with.
It seems you've done all you can for your mother, it is really up to her now. There isn't much support you can give her if she won't try to help herself. Keep praying. Not much else you can do until she wants help.

Answer 6

Until she is willing to admit she has an alcohol problem, there is nothing you or anyone else can do except pray. You need to let go and let God do his work in her life. That is very hard to do when you love someone and see them destroying themselves, but the more you talk to her about the problem the more she will deny a problem exists and may eventually reject you entirely. Just love her and pray for her.

Answer 7

She particularly has to desire to end. All you could particularly do is grant her help and encouragement. attempt to point out to her that she has a subject. She may well be in denial or is basically worried on the possibility of dealing with existence without the crutch of alcohol. She has to make the determination to end and get help herself. Please do no longer cover or pour out her booze. those with extreme alcohol dependence can advance extreme or perhaps existence-threatening indicators for the period of alcohol withdrawal. In extreme addiction withdrawal must be executed below scientific supervision. drugs can ease the indications and if any extreme indicators upward thrust up they may well be taken care of. Then the subsequent step is counseling, therapy and help communities.

Answer 8

Your mother is an alcoholic and she can't stop drinking on her own or she would have done it by now.

You need to get some help for yourself so you will understand what's going on with her and how you can handle it and have a life for yourself.

Al-Anon is where you will find the answers you need....do it soon so that you can begin to live your life again.....good luck.