Mother in 70's alcoholic. Drinks most of the day & night, every day. Has had many falls, broken ribs, lumps on head, numerous bruises, etc from falls while intoxicated. Has many blackouts. Tries to hide her drinking, even though its very obvious to family, friends & neighbors.
Has EXTREMELY poor hygiene, very dirty person! Will not use toilet paper, flush toilet or use soap to wash hands! Wears undergarments & clothes for an entire week or longer without washing or changing them. Rarely showers.
Family has tried to get her help which she refuses! Family has spoken to her physician seeking guidance & making him aware of situation which was of no use.
Family has called police supplying them with information such as car being driven while intoxicated along with license plate numbers which was also useless!
I truly believe that she has mental issues as a result of alcohol!
Neighbors & I found her face down at bottom of driveway tonight. Face is all messed up from fall. Brought her in the house, cleaned her & put her to bed, where she passed out for the night.
We are at our wits end! Terrified of her hurting herself or others!
I'd encourage your whole family to attend Al-Anon to help you cope with the issues this causes for you. It's horrible to watch someone self-destruct in this way. She likely has so much mental damage from the alcohol abuse that she has dementia. If it's bad enough you may be able to force her into some kind of help. The people at Al-Anon will know your local services and may be able to direct you. Good luck.
Carol
What can a doctor do? Tell her to stop drinking? Tell her to improve her hygiene? Suggest that she go to a recovery place? And if she refuses to do any of it ... ??
What could the police do, unless you tell them when she actually driving drunk and you point out where? I don't think they can arrest her for driving drunk yesterday -- they actually have to catch her at it. But that seems like a possible intervention point, if someone could call when she is actually on the road. Maybe if she got arrested for DWI that would be a huge wake-up call. But maybe not. Think of all the people who get arrested over and over and have their licenses revoked and still drink and drive. I think it is worth a shot, but with no guarantees.
Mother has already hurt herself, and continues to do so. Stopping her from driving might at least help prevent her from hurting (or killing) others. I wonder if MADD might have any advice for you along those lines?
Seeing a loved one do something self-destructive and being powerless to stop it must be extremely painful. My heart goes out to you.