My parents are in their early 70s. They are former marathon runners, health food freaks, etc. They have stopped doing everything over the past 1+ year. Now they drink alcohol all day, mom started smoking, they do not eat reguarly or well, they have given up all excercise. Housework and hygiene have tanked. Everything is "overwhelming" according to my Mom. Other than alcoholism and depression, there are NO known health issues. Finances are good. Family relationships are good. I CANNOT understand why they are not out enjoying life. All they do is sit around the house and drink and stew about how awful life is. I invite them to our home, and they mostly refuse. Often they cancel at the last moment after I have bought and prepared food. This included last Christmas, and then we spent Mother's Day in the emergency room since my mother went several days with no food or water and was totally dehydrated and fell out. They do not live with me, but live four houses down the street. I am at a loss.
They may feel horrible about how their relationship with you has deteriorated, but they'll protect their drinking at almost all costs. You protect yourself.
I have a few family members that were really big drinkers/drugs when younger and went through several 12-step sessions and a detox or two. Just wondering if this monster may come back to haunt us as they age. Two have been completely sober for 20+ years. I know an addiction is there forever but does it rear its ugly head again when people get older and feel so vulnerable with their changing life and health? Scary thought.
Wish them much success with the 5-day program. Be proud of your parents for accepting your help with this....that is so very hard for them. God bless!