What Will The Result Be?

by Tessa Holt
(Sedro-Woolley, Washington, U.S.A)

What if my mother has brain damage or fluid on the brain due to alcoholism and she continues to get drunk?

REPLY

Hello Tessa,

This is a question that only the medical professional who diagnosed your mother's condition can answer. However, it goes without saying that if she continues to drink it will only exacerbate her condition.

It sounds obvious but it is imperative that she stops drinking but it appears that she does not want to.

You are probably feeling quite powerless at the moment as you feel there is nothing you can do, and in a way you're right, there is nothing you can do for your mother until she chooses to stop drinking. Your mother is an adult and has decided to continue drinking despite her circumstances, and as hard as it may be you need to respect her 'choice'. We are not saying you should abandon her to her fate rather keep your distance and do not get involved in her addictive manipulation.

What you need to do is be there for her if she decides to get help for her drinking problem but in the meantime look after yourself and try, as hard as it may be, to not let your mother's situation impact too much on your wellbeing. You may not be able to help your mother at the moment but you can certainly help yourself.

We wish you all the best.