alcoholism

[sasserina]

My mum is an alcoholic and we as a family have tried everything imaginable...However she drinks and drives....would you shop a parent to the police.....

[bednobs]

then why haven't you smowball?

[sasserina]

thank you...you have all been absolutely honest and I appreciate you taking time out to answer to my post. You have all given some great advice. I admire those of you have who have conquered this illness and for the ones that have had it within their family/friends circle.

[sandyRoe]

Nobody can stop her drinking, except herself, but you could soon stop her driving. Report her.

[momcj]

She will only stop drinking when she wants to unfortunately, which may be never, but because she is puting other lives in danger you should report it, you could do it anonymously if that was easier -good luck

[VHG]

>>>What if she hit a child?

Why is it worse if she hits a child while drunk driving than an adult?

Surely it is awful if she hits anybody, from a 3 year old child to a 90 year old pensioner.

[joko]

i agree with the others... other crimes where there is no uimmediate victim perhaps not, but this one has the risk of death to herself and others...so yes

if she died or killed someone else, you would have to live with that guilt

her time spent locked up will help her recover from alcoholism and give her the chance to be free of it... might not work in the long run, but worth a try - and at this stage you dont have many other options

[Smowball]

bedknobs, I have

[Lloyd P.....]

Absolutely. Not only might you save someone's life, you would save her the trauma of prison for killing them, and the memory of it for the rest of her (and your) life.

[anneasquith]

yes, but if /when you do. dont automatically think she will stop drinking :(

[nannybooby]

Dear Sasserina ,my heart goes out to you my late exhusband was an alcoholic and eventually died from this. Its sad but true that you are powerless to help them if they wont help themselves, we tried to have him sectioned both here and in Spain (where he lived )but yyou cant section someone who doesnt want to stop drinking its bl**dy crazy they are addicts as much as drug addicts and not capable of making rational descisions.Everyone is damaged in the wake of the addiction.
You dont say what stage she is at at present so assuming that she is at least marginally functioning I would take the car and keys away from her put th car into secure storage where she doesnt know where it is .Tell her what you have done , say she has to attend AA and take her there to make sure she goes , and more to the point doesnt link up with others there who are just going through the motions.
Sadly at the end of the day,if things get to the last stage where she is soiling her clothes and bed you have to realise she wont get better and as we were told you have to accept their choice and protect your family.
I really hope that this ends well for all of you.