[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I’m Andrea, I’m almost 55 years old and I work full time as a nurse. I’m married to a great guy and we have a grown up daughter. So far so good…..My dad is almost 81 years old, widowed for 10 years (my mother was a functioning alcoholic) Recently he has shown signs of failing health so I have stepped in to help out around the house with jobs he can no longer do. One such job is the weekly shopping and Dad goes with me in the car to the supermarket. He buys and consumes 6 litres of wine and 1.5 litres of whisky each week as well as the additional beer/lager. I have told him on numerous occasions that this is insane and can cause major health issues but to no avail. My concerns are so great that I took him to see his GP today for a health assessment. Memory test was 100% accurate and we have an appointment for blood tests and a chest xray next week as part of a health MOT. My dad tried to blame me today for allowing him to buy all the alcohol but I said as he is an adult with capacity I could only advise him on the dangers of drinking too much and not physically stop him buying it. On Monday this week he bought a litre bottle of whisky which is now gone and it’s Wednesday! I’ve told him I will no longer buy him alcohol to top up his supply because I refuse to be an enabler any more. He’s told me that now its been pointed out how much he’s actually drinking (I don’t drink that much is his usual response) he will try and curb it but that remains to be seen. I feel like I am being robbed of joy in what should be the best years of my life because I’m stressed and frustrated and worrying all the time about him. What does help is knowing that there are other families experiencing very similar difficulties and hopefully I will get some good advice and support here.

[Author]

Posts