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Addiction to Alcohol/Alcoholic aunt, unwilling to admit alcoholism.

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Expert: - 3/6/2009


Question
My aunt, 42 this year, is a severe alcoholic. She's been living with my grandparents for many years, however, my aunt has finally burned that bridge. She is unemployed, has suffered from her body shutting down, and now, suffers from alcoholic dementia. We do not live in her world, and she's very combative when that is pointed out. She's had the sheriff's department called on her repeatedly, she's been to the ER more times than I can count, her most recent trip being that she fell while drunk and broke her ankle. My grandmother just passed away of a long illness a few weeks ago, and Grandpa can't take it anymore. She'll have NO WHERE to go if he kicks her out, and she won't admit she drinks, so she won't agree to go to rehab. What options does my grandfather have at this point? We are worried now that we are going to lose him as a result of the stress of dealing with her. She steals, starts fights every day, she's out of control and though we do not give her money or alcohol, she has a friend (mentally challenged) that brings her alcohol when we are not there.
Please.. help me. I'm out of ideas. :(  

Answer
Hi Becca,

This is a very difficult situation and you're right to be concerned about your grandfather's health. You're aunt is being enabled by her friend and she's in denial of her drinking, so she won't get help. Even with rehab and counseling, she may not want to quit.

http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/treatment_recovery.html

Speak to social services in your area. Your aunt can't live with your grandfather, and he has to have her leave the house. This won't be an easy job for him, but they can inform him of his options.

Your aunt may have to stay at the Salvation Army, or she may get drunk and be picked up by the police. As bad as this sounds, this may get her to reach bottom and force her to get into treatment to get her life back in control.

The rest of the family can be helped by the members of Al Anon. You will learn a lot just by listening, because all the members are going through similar situations.

Hope this is helpful,

Thank you for contacting All Experts,

Best of luck with this problem,

Bev
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com

Addiction to Alcohol

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Beverley Glazer

Expertise

I can answer questions on all addictive behaviors: alcohol, drugs, food, compulsive sex, codependency, gambling, compulsive shoplifting etc.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience working in the addiction field. My experience extends to all levels of substance abuse. I've worked in rehabs and detox centers, prisons and half-way houses and have a busy private practice as well as an active website where I can be reached for recovery coaching and consultation. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist, but 12-step programs are an excellent support. When working in the addiction field, there is no cookie-cutter solution. In the recovery field, you witness miracles. That's why I love what I do.

Organizations
NAADAC The Association for Addiction Professionals, CACCF Canadian Addiction Counselors Federation, CCA Canadian Counseling Association, For more information please see: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com

Education/Credentials
BA Psychology, MA Counseling Psychology, ICADC International Alcohol and Drug Counselor, ICAC International Clinical Addiction Counselor, CGC Certified Gambling Counselor.

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