So I think my mum might have a drinking problem

[Kif]

OK, here's the deal. I'm not too close with my mum. We barely speak, and hardly ever hang out (Mainly just to watch movies or have dinner). But I'm closer to her than my dad

Tonight I noticed that she might have a drinking problem. She came home drunk from town (She went in to have a few drinks with her friends), and ended up passing out in the living room and throwing up on the floor. She eventually got up and went to bed, but that's not the point.

Also, she drinks wine a lot. I know a lot of her friends are very much like her, so I guess she's just used to it.

But the thing is is that I'm fucking 16, and I shouldn't have to deal with her problems like helping her get to bed when she's drunk or having to clean up her vomit when I have things like school and my own life to think about. I hate this pressure, but at the same time I'm scared to say anything because our relationship isn't that deep anyway

By the way, I don't drink. I never saw a point in spending so much money to walk half-assed, and end up waking up in your own vomit with hardly any recollection of the night before. Don't get me wrong, I have drank before, but I've never been drunk. And I don't plan on it either

So I guess I need advice on how to handle this. What should I say? I mean, we aren't a big family anyway (Just me and her) and she's looking for a better job at the moment, so I don't want to wreck that. But I don't want to stick around waiting for something worse to happen because of her drinking

[mps]

OK, here's the deal. I'm not too close with my mum. We barely speak, and hardly ever hang out (Mainly just to watch movies or have dinner). But I'm closer to her than my dad

Tonight I noticed that she might have a drinking problem. She came home drunk from town (She went in to have a few drinks with her friends), and ended up passing out in the living room and throwing up on the floor. She eventually got up and went to bed, but that's not the point.

Also, she drinks wine a lot. I know a lot of her friends are very much like her, so I guess she's just used to it.

But the thing is is that I'm fucking 16, and I shouldn't have to deal with her problems like helping her get to bed when she's drunk or having to clean up her vomit when I have things like school and my own life to think about. I hate this pressure, but at the same time I'm scared to say anything because our relationship isn't that deep anyway

By the way, I don't drink. I never saw a point in spending so much money to walk half-assed, and end up waking up in your own vomit with hardly any recollection of the night before. Don't get me wrong, I have drank before, but I've never been drunk. And I don't plan on it either

So I guess I need advice on how to handle this. What should I say? I mean, we aren't a big family anyway (Just me and her) and she's looking for a better job at the moment, so I don't want to wreck that. But I don't want to stick around waiting for something worse to happen because of her drinking

good choice on not wanting to drink much (altho i think i may have a drinking problem). well about the wine, i think its normal for parents to drink lots of wine, mine do, but not coming home drunk and throwing up. i dont know if thats a regular occurance or a one off, but if its something which usually happens maybe consider getting conselling for your mum. and if she wants a better job then she cant drink like it seems she does...

[sleepygrlgreen]

if she isn't an alcoholic now, but continues drinking, she will be one. just talk to her. there's no point in hiding anything. sit down and have a heart to heart tell her that you think she has a drinking problem...etc...even if she gets mad at you for asking, it's better than keeping quiet and finding her drunk every night.

[Kif]

MPS: This hasn't happened before, although she has come home and threw up before (Like twice I think). Those times, she did it in the toilet though

I guess I should talk to her. I know that if she wants a better job she can't turn into an alcoholic or continue drinking like she does.

[mps]

ok well if it hasnt happened many times before then maybe its not serious (yet)..but yeah, do talk to her, either before it gets worse, or to just let her know how you feel about it.

[kimosabe]

one night when she's drunk and passed out, take of all her clothes, take pictures and post it on the internet.

[apoemtothedead]

Replace the alcohol with rat poison. She'll never drink again.

[Lueda Alia]

I hope this doesn't sound rude, but wow.. helping your mom is such a big deal? Sorry but to me that sounds totally selfish. I realize that you have your own stuff to think about, but come on, I'm sure you're able to do both at the same time. If you really care about her at least. And if you're scared of something worse happening, then talk to her. You don't necessarily have to be close to have a conversation with your parent.

[infamous_alias]

Unless she does this on a nightly basis she doesn't have a "drinking problem."

[Darren McLeod]

I think a parent coming home drunk often, especially in extreme cases with passing out or vomitting, is definitely a sign of a drinking problem, whether it's there yet or will be there eventually. It's fine once in a while to go out and drink with friends, but that seems excessive with the responsibility she has.

Then again, neither of my parents drink, so I wouldn't know how much a "normal" amount would be, but most of my friends' parents don't drink that often either.

[djUbilla]

I think a parent coming home drunk often, especially in extreme cases with passing out or vomitting, is definitely a sign of a drinking problem, whether it's there yet or will be there eventually. It's fine once in a while to go out and drink with friends, but that seems excessive with the responsibility she has.

Then again, neither of my parents drink, so I wouldn't know how much a "normal" amount would be, but most of my friends' parents don't drink that often either.
Agreed. They are supposed to be responsible people. Make sure to talk to her and figure what's causing it, find out how big of a problem it is and how to stop it. Don't mention how you're busy and can't have her coming home drunk, just tell her that you care about her and want her to get better.

[exthuse]

I hope this doesn't sound rude, but wow.. helping your mom is such a big deal? Sorry but to me that sounds totally selfish. I realize that you have your own stuff to think about, but come on, I'm sure you're able to do both at the same time. If you really care about her at least. And if you're scared of something worse happening, then talk to her. You don't necessarily have to be close to have a conversation with your parent.
No I see where he's coming from with school.

School is a fucking bitch in the UK. GCSE's, A-levels and shit. Tough work.

Also telling your parents that you think they have the problem is the worse thing to say to them. I hate telling my mum when I think she has a problem

[Candy_Warhol]

honestly, if it's bad enough, you can't do anything.
my dad has a drinking problem and has had one for years. he's tried that 12 step bullshit and always quits after #4. i mean, not to sound bleak or anything, but sometimes there is nothing that can be done.

i would recommend trying though. if you care enough about her you will. frankly, as terrible as it is, i don't think i care enough about my father anymore to warrant spending time trying to "fix" him. he's done enough damage, so sometimes it would turn out worse for you to try and do anything.

but i hope everything turns out okay. <3

[kcgb]

i know my mom has a drinking problem, its kinda funny actually

[Alex Djaferis]

No I see where he's coming from with school.

School is a fucking bitch in the UK. GCSE's, A-levels and shit. Tough work.

Also telling your parents that you think they have the problem is the worse thing to say to them. I hate telling my mum when I think she has a problem

the GCSE's are not tough work. A levels are depending on how many classes you take...

Telling your mom she has a problem is a strong thing to do man. Keep at it, its for her own good in the end...shows you care.

I think a parent coming home drunk often, especially in extreme cases with passing out or vomitting, is definitely a sign of a drinking problem,.

Good work Sherlock :D