Quote From: mesherriI too am an adult child of an alcoholic. I wish I could remember a time when my father didn't drink but I can't, it has been a problem that long. My father's problem has gotten worse since my mother died of cancer in March of 2002, he has steadily started drinking earlier and earlier everyday. Thanksgiving Day my father told me he thinks his drinking is killing him, what do you say to that??? I was so shocked, so dumbfounded, I didn't know what to say. I know I can't make him stop drinking, he has to want it but I am afraid I am going to loose him at a young age just like I did my mother. It is during the holidays that I wish I could just escape, leave everything behind and not look back but I can't do it, I am too caring like my mother so I will stay by my dad and the rest of the family to support them as I fall to pieces inside.
Please find an Al-Anon group asap. You do not have to go through this alone. Of course you care, your mother did, too. She was also a co-dependent, and so are you. Al-Anon can help you learn how to support your family without falling to pieces inside. I know it seems impossible, but you can have peace and deal with this problem at the same time. I am learning how. My husband is a drug addict. Through Al-anon, I am learning to take care of myself, whether he is sober or not. My taking care of me has also had a good effect on my husband, too, although it was really hard at first. I learned that its not a betrayal for me to be happy. I am worth the effort, and I deserve to be happy. You do, too.
