Expert: Druideck - 7/17/2008

Question
My question is about what an alcoholic is capable of.  My   sister (the alcoholic) has almost convinced me that my husband  tried to seduce her.  She has a history of calling me and blaming me for everything that is wrong in her life.  She has fabricated stories before, but never with detail like this one.  She is jealous of me and my friendships and my relationship.  Could it be the alcohol has actually made her believe one of her made up stories is true?

Answer
Angy,

Alcoholics become very ill during
the progression of their alcoholism.
They start going downhill in every
aspect of their life.
These involve mental, physical,
emotional and spiritual decline.
They can become paranoid, delusional
and resentful to a high degree.
They may blame others to avoid
looking at themselves and the self
hatred they have is projected outward.
This being said it does not mean
they are always totally dishonest.
She may be trying to hurt you
but it is because she is a sick person.
Often an alcoholic that has
recovered from this state of mind
is appalled by their previous behaviours.
Recovery involves healing all the
aspects of a person I mentioned above.
Hopefully she will someday take that path.

Until you know more I wouldn't condemn
your husband. She may see things differently
than others, her perceptions are clouded. Even kindess might
be seen as an act of seduction by her.
Take care of yourself and talk to your husband
about it all openly so it doesn't brew inside you.