My aunts an alcoholic. Shes been drinking since she was a teen, now shes 68. Shes had trouble walking for the past couple years she said. It got really bad a little over a month ago. My mom and I took her to the hospital, and they determined her walking issues are caused by chronic alcohol use. So she hasnt drank for a month. Shes doing physical therapy, and is doing very well, so we'll they are going to drop her from physical therapy. Well, about a week ago, I noticed her speech is very slurred. Shes stumbling also. Shes like that all day eccept for in the morning. This morning I aksed her if she was drinking. She said no, and that its probably her medication. Im positive shes been drinking, and shes trying to hide it from me. My question is, I am going to start working soon, and im sure she'll be drunk while im not home. If she falls, and hurts herself, could I get in trouble, even though she brought it on herself?
Get out while you can. Surely you can share an apartment with a co-worker or rent a room on your own. Trust me, your life will be much happier without the pall of booze breath greeting you every time you walk in the door.
Nicholas, hope you can find a way forward to the future you deserve!
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She could have had a stroke (slurred speech, stumbling).
Yes, it can be her medication... what is she on? Who is dispensing it to her daily? If she has any memory issues she could be taking it incorrectly.
She could now have Wernicke-Korsakoff dementia, due to a chronic vitamin deficiency caused by long-term alcoholism. If caught early enough it can be treated, but in some cases it cannot.
She can have other medical issues that are causing her problem, but first you need to figure out if she truly is still drinking. If she is, then this is not your problem and you are not resonsible to take care of her, for any reason.
Never hide alcoholism from medical personnel. It is a disease they need to be aware of.
Best of luck. Attend Al-Anon meetings given by AA which are everywhere in the USA. You will get knowledge and support and a great community of help.
Your Aunt may have Wernickes Korsakoffs.
I'd move out. Sometimes you have to back way off when alcoholics are involved and take care of yourself.
It sounds like Aunt is close to not being able to live in the house on her own.
If she does fall I'd call 911 again and let professionals deal with her. If she is an alcoholic I don't understand why you would be in trouble.
Dad passed out drunk in the country club parking lot at noon. He was taken by ambulance to the ER. He called a caregiver to come take him home. When he got home he resumed drinking. Believe me I backed way off after this situation.
You need to leave sooner than later and get out on your own not with your mom and call Adult Protective Services on your way out the door reporting your alcoholic aunt living by herself. They will come out and do an assessment and if need be take over her care.
And then start going to Al-Anon meetings so you can better understand this horrific disease of alcoholism.
You asked a similar question on Sept 11 and then it was a friend of your Moms.
This woman may have had a stroke. She needs to see a doctor for testing. You need to get her out of your house. Why does Mom not take her in.
Join Al-Anon. There are plenty of Zoom, telephone meetings and in person meetings.
No, you will not get in trouble if your aunt drinks and falls down. It may be the wake-up call that she needs to get her act together. However, I doubt it. Your aunt is an alcoholic. Her desire to drink is stronger than the desire to stop drinking and take care of her health. Only she can control that aspect of her recovery.
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