My Mom Is an Alcoholic

by Lexie
(Indiana)

I never really knew my mom when she was sober, but I know my older brother and sister did. For awhile I had to live with my grandma because it had gotten really bad and a few other times my dad fought for custody and won.

Which wasn't a good thing because at the time he was molesting me, which I'm not the only one that he had did that to. Now I'm living with my mom, and now I'm seventeen.

But there are still problems, which I believe is due to her drinking. We Fight all the time, she tends to take her anger out on me, and she blames me for things I have not done.

I also Believe if she got help her relationship with my older sister Ali would probably be alot better. I'm also very worried if it gets any worse she's going to push me away too.

I really don't want that to happen because she's the only Parent I really have left, since I haven't seen my dad in over 10 years. I would really appreciate any good advice. Thanks.

Alcoholism-and-Drug-Addiction-Help.com Answer

You've been through a lot Lexie and it shows a lot of courage and maturity on your part to want to do something to help your Mom. My Mom was also an alcoholic so I understand what it is you're going through.

The sad part is you can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped, so if your Mom isn't ready to change, get help, and do something about her drinking problem, there isn't a lot you can do.

Something you can do, but doesn't always necessarily work, is perform an intervention on you Mom. Essentially its an ultimatum with the goal being to get her into rehab or receive professional help. Because that gives her the best chance of getting sober.

What you need to do is try not to let all of this get you down. I know its hard, but going through hard times can make us better, stronger, wiser, and more compassionate people in the long run. So see all of this as part of the lessons you need to learn to become the best person you can be.

Life doesn't always make sense and bad things often happen to good people. Maybe part of your purpose is to experience tough times you can one day help other people. Trust that whatever happens to your Mom is meant to happen .... so you need to focus on doing things you enjoy and make you happy.

Hopefully somehow your Mom will get through this. Tell her you love her, but you can't stand seeing her drink. That you want to have a proper relationship with her, but which can only happen if she gets sober. Encourage her to get help. That's all you can do for now.

Also don't be scared to talk to people you trust so that you don't feel like you're alone in this. A teacher or counselor at school, another family member like a grandparent, a friend. Because its a tough burden to carry alone. So hang in there and stay strong. You can get through this. God Bless and take Care

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