Replies to '03/21 When In-Laws Cross the Line'

Thank you for replying to my message. I needed a little feedback on this issue from an outsider.

  I cannot believe that in this supposedly enlightened age, that there are still people who blame addicts for their addictions.  While certainnly a person is responsible for taking that first drink, an alcoholic is not responsible for having their disease, anymore than someone with cancer is responsible for their disease. 

I think that it is horrible that you would say that alcoholism is not a diease. In fact it is a diease and a very serious one at that. I am the daughter of a woman who suffered from this diease. It took a huge toll on our family, but we never gave up on her. I understand the feeling of not knowing what to do. Cutting her out of your life is not the answer. She needs help and she needs it bad. You should not let her influence your children but she is family so it is your responsibility to help her. Look into getting her into treatment. Look into Al-non meeting and gathering the information that you will need to help her. I am sorry that you feel it is not a diease. I think that you should look into it before you start telling people that it is not a diease. I think that if you asked Dr. Phil he would tell you that it is a diease and a very serious one at that.