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What do you do if your parents are alcoholics?

Asked by Eddie  |  Aug 2, 2010

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Carol Bradley Bursack, Aug 3, 2010

Over the span of two decades author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Bradley Bursack created a portable support group, the book "Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories."

 

This is far more common than most people think. First, I'd suggest you go to Al-Anon to get some understanding that you aren’t alone and that they suffer from a disease. This is not to coddle them It’s to help you learn how to cope with the situation.
If one of them is a veteran, they generally offer a lot of help as they understand the disease. You can't force them to stop drinking, even though it is ruining their lives (and not helping yours, either). Logic and arguing won't help. They need medical care. Sometimes, a formal intervention can help, but not always. Al-Anon is a great source for adult children and spouses of alcoholics.
Good luck. Some elders never can stop. Please try to love them, anyway, but protect yourself as well.
Carol

 
 

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