I personally do not have a substance abuse issue. It's a very close friend. I struggle with this as someone who cares.

I understand the reason my friend drinks. She has some other mental health problems and is being treated with meds and therapy. However, she feels her current treatment isn't working and the alcohol is the only thing she knows that makes her feel better even if only temporarily. I question how much of a chance she is giving her meds if there is always alcohol in the way.

There was a time when I drove myself nuts thinking I could fix this. But I realized that I cannot help someone who isn't willing to help herself.

I'm afraid my friend believes she can handle this on her own. Things cycle from wanting to quit drinking to wanting to stay drinking. I have encouraged my friend to get some help (AA or something) but she refuses. She believes she is in control when it is so obvious to me that she isn't. Recently she accomplished over a month sober and I was so happy for her. But she found her way back to the bottle.

I'm not sure if she understands that taking away the alcohol does not fix the feelings and emotions that go along with this. I think the term is "dry drunk?"

I could use some support from those of you that probably know much more about this than I do. I want to be supportive of my friend but I also know that she is the only one who can fix this. I am frustrated having repeated conversations. I don't want to be taken advantage of or looked at as the person who is always there. My friend knows how I feel, and I believe I have done all I can to help.

Where do I go from here?