I'm at a loss now, I really am.

My DMum has been an alcoholic for as long as I can remember. At least since I was about 4/5. Over time, she had moved on from drinking beer to wine to gin and now drinks vodka.

She is retired now, but she is high functioning. Last year she suffered from an illness (not alcohol related) that saw her hit rock bottom. She was drinking throughout the night and in the early morning. When this illness came to a head, she started making noises about going to rehab. But my DSis was advised at the time that this would not be possible because she was on medication. She was able to get more medical help for this illness, and now her pain is minimal.

As I suspected, now she has recovered for the most part, thoughts of rehab have gone.

Over the years I have tried talking to her about this. She has sought help before, and managed to stay sober for a period of time. But then began drinking again.

I am lost. I feel we are at a bit of a crossroads. Everyone in the family feels upset by her drinking. If we hold a social occasion, she will often drink before and continue to do so. She will then reach a point of incoherency, but prior to that she can be aggressive, argumentative, insecure...pretty much full to the brim of negativity and anger.

I worry about her so much. I try and be there for her and non-judgemental, but she is hard to be around when drunk. I also fear that she is pushing her body to the absolute limit. I worry that she will pass the point of no return. And I think I will feel partly responsible for doing nothing.

I had wondered about an intervention. But I'm not sure anyone would feel strong enough to 'lead' it, and none of us have the knowledge to know how to steer it. I know she will get angry and full of blame. I also know that certain family members will not deal with this well.

Realistically, is there anything I can do other than continue to be there for her? I'm so worried and full of guilt over this. I really don't know what to do.