OOOhhhh Esthersvirtue!! No! I didn't think you were over reacting at all, not at all. I was very thankful that you had the knowledge to recognize what was going on - but not surprised that your mom didn't. Unfortunately I've learned the very hard way that there isn't much you can do about some one else's addiction - but there is so much you can do for yourself to learn how to not help them stay in their addiction. I had hoped to share some of that with you - but I don't think I communicated it very well - I'm sorry.

I wonder if your mother was attributing the disorientation as a part of your brother's drinking? I don't know. Please don't apologize for being dramatic. You weren't. You are in a safe place and should be able to write exactly what you feel. Perhaps I overstepped MY bounds? Sigh. I apologize.

I was hoping to share some been there stuff. . .and what I've learned from it. I didn't mean for my words to present that this is nothing, it isn't - not at all. But I hoped also to perhaps give some insight at where your mother may or may not have been at the time. She's a human being, Esthersvirtue - and while you could recognize right away what was going on, it may not have been so easy for her to recognize it. She will have to learn, just like you have learned. Perhaps you can help in that. She has another young man to raise, and it would probably relieve her if she knew what to look for or what the signs would be.

I had hoped to also impart to you that there are things you can do to protect yourself that may offer a little more protection to you.

I'm sorry I was insensitive your feelings. . . I tend to over analyze I think, and miss the meat of the message. I think I missed it this time.

((((esthersvirtue))))
Beth