Topic : 08/25 Alcohol and Abuse

I think several of the postings on this topic are far too judgemental.  It seems to me that a lot of you who posted comments do not understand the dynamics of an alcoholic family.  The statements seem to be more about how best to punish Sheila or Steve.  I think they have been punishing themselves and their children for 13 years.  This family needs help to heal.  Sheila needs therapy to deal with her past and her anger and Steve needs serious rehabilitation.  Dr Phil is correct that right now neither of them need to be around the children.   

I speak from experience.  My father was an alcoholic and my mother abused him.  The video shown could have been filmed in my home 30 years ago.  It took me a long time to come to terms with what I saw as a child.  I know after years of therapy and study that my fathers disease is not my fault.  I also know now that my mother grew up in the same environment as I did.  She was doing what she knew, that may not make sense to someone who has never been in that situation.  I don't condone the way my mother behaved or the way Sheila behaves, but I have tried to understand the rage that leads someone to that place.  I was only through trying to understand my mothers behavior that I came to forgive her and my father and I began to heal.     

It's easy to pass judgement on Sheila for the choices she has made, it's easy to suggest she could walk away from this.  However, It's not that simple.  When my father was sober he was a wonderful father and husband.  There were glimpses of what a family should be when he was sober.  When he drank, he changed and so did my mother.  She stayed because she was holding on to those moments of sanity when he was sober, she saw what he could be if he stopped drinking.  He was in rehab too many times to count.  Eventually, she did get us both out of the situation.   

I am glad this show aired, I hope it will lead to other families like this to seek help and move past the shame.  30 years ago you didn't talk about what went on behind closed doors, now there is help which is what this family needs.  Help and support, not judgement and critisism from people who do not understand how alcohol can effect a family.