Interesting Article on Eldery Drinking posted by Lisa B @ 03:01 AM October 03, 2008

Lisa B — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:01:22 -0000

Welcome and ramble away! I can identify with every single one of your emotions- anger, embarrassment, etc. It's so hard to see a parent live this way and it seems even worse when there is grandchildren involved. I felt like I was constantly trying to shield them from the "real" grandma and grandpa.

As for suggestions, I benefited greatly from seeing a counselor. It helped me sort out the various emotions you described as well as develop strategies to ease my stress level during family get togethers. Al-Anon was also very helpful- it was great to be around those who understood exactly what I was going through.

Please come back anytime to vent- that's what we're here for!

Lisa

Interesting Article on Eldery Drinking posted by Anonymous @ 08:32 PM September 29, 2008

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:32:06 -0000

Thanks, Lisa -- it's good to have somewhere to go to talk about this. My father has been drinking for years, but refuses to get help or even to acknowledge his problem. He's gone through 2 marriages, and is now living alone, and his life has grown very small. He has few friends anymore, and seems content to just be alone, drinking. I've spent years going to Al Anon, which has helped me a lot, but I still feel a lot of rage at my father for what he's done to himself -- and to his family. It's such a waste. My children don't much enjoy spending time with him, and I don't really blame them. He avoids family get togethers, and when he does come, he's in his own private alcoholic haze. I know I should feel compassion, and sometimes I do, but often I am filled with ugly emotions like contempt, anger, embarrassment. I know this is a rambling comment and I'm not sure there is an answer, but I'd love to hear from others if you have any ideas, thoughts, suggestions. Thanks

Interesting Article on Eldery Drinking posted by Lisa B @ 01:20 PM September 23, 2008

Lisa B — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:20:04 -0000

I came across this article a couple of days ago and was especially astounded at this fact :

"One out of ten elderly adults on Medicare reports drinking more alcohol than is recommended, according to a new study from Brandeis University. "
http://www.physorg.com/news123962769.html [physorg.com]

One of out ten ! I knew from my own experience with my family that alcoholism can affect anyone at any age but I did not realize how prevalant it was becoming. If you have an elderly loved one struggling with alcoholism, you are not alone! Please post here anytime - we will be glad to support you with any questions, concerns, or even vents you might have.

Lisa

Recent Posts in 'Interesting Article on Eldery Drinking' | Caring.com

Interesting Article on Eldery Drinking posted by Lisa B @ 03:01 AM October 03, 2008

Interesting Article on Eldery Drinking posted by Anonymous @ 08:32 PM September 29, 2008

Interesting Article on Eldery Drinking posted by Lisa B @ 01:20 PM September 23, 2008