Desperate Situation of an Alcoholic Mother
My mother, aged 56, has struggled with alcoholism for many years, but her drinking has significantly escalated in the last two to three years. A year ago, her condition became critical, landing her in the Intensive Care Unit due to a dangerously low sodium level of 101. Subsequently, she was placed in a treatment program for 30 days against her will. In recent months, she has repeatedly discharged herself from the hospital, disregarding medical advice, even after doctors warned her of potential heart problems should she not remain to restore her electrolyte balance. Law enforcement has conducted welfare checks, and I attempted to initiate another involuntary commitment, which was unsuccessful because she refuses treatment. Witnessing her in her current state is heartbreaking. She lives by herself and is prone to frequent falls, resulting in numerous bruises and cuts all over her body. One knee is particularly swollen, and her eating habits are nearly non-existent. It has been over a month since her last bath, leaving her hair in a tangled mess, and she exhibits signs of memory loss. Most distressingly, she has recently started urinating on the couch as she can no longer bear weight on her legs to access the bathroom. I reached out to adult protective services, but I have yet to receive any updates. I am uncertain whether to pursue involuntary commitment once again or to resign to the situation as it stands. Her daily intake consists of a twelve-pack of beer alongside a few vodka shooters. Standing at 5'5", her weight has likely dropped below 100 pounds. Can her body really withstand this lifestyle for much longer, or is it possible that she is nearing the end? Watching her health deteriorate has been incredibly difficult.
Answers (1)
8/21/2025, 2:51:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about your mother’s struggles. It sounds incredibly challenging, and it's clear you're deeply concerned about her well-being. Alcoholism can lead to serious health complications, especially in someone who has been drinking heavily for a prolonged period, and her symptoms suggest that she may be in a critical situation.
Main Points:
- Severe health risks from alcoholism: Continued heavy drinking can lead to life-threatening conditions such as liver disease, electrolyte imbalances, and significant weight loss.
- Potential for intervention is vital: Given her current situation, gaining assistance through available support services is crucial.
Explanation:
Your mother’s refusal to seek treatment, despite her deteriorating health, is sadly a common aspect of severe alcoholism, which can impair judgment and lead to denial about the extent of the problem. The dangers she faces, including malnutrition and falls, are increasing significantly. It’s concerning that she's lost the ability to perform basic activities, indicating advanced health deterioration.
Next Steps:
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Immediate Support and Monitoring: Continue to monitor her closely for any acute health changes. If she shows signs of severe confusion, difficulty breathing, or any new medical emergencies, call emergency services immediately.
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Engage Adult Protective Services: Keep following up with adult protective services to ensure they are aware of her situation, and provide them with any new evidence of her decline. Document all incidents of her health and living conditions to strengthen your case.
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Consider Involuntary Commitment: Reevaluate the possibility of involuntary commitment as soon as practical. If her condition worsens and there is clear evidence that she cannot care for herself or poses a danger to herself or others, this may still be an option.
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Seek Support for Yourself: Caring for someone with a severe addiction can be emotionally draining. Look for support groups for yourself or counseling services that specialize in addiction issues to help you cope with the situation.
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Plan for Future Care: Depending on her willingness to seek help, consider reaching out to local rehabilitation services or social work teams that specialize in addiction recovery for additional advice and resources.
This situation is undoubtedly distressing, and it's important to take care of yourself as you navigate these challenges. If you need any more specific guidance or support, please let me know.
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