Originally Posted by
gardner 
I don't want to write my mother some sort of scathing letter. I want to write it from a place a love but also to clearly explain the damage her continued drinking is doing to me.
Gardner - the letter you wrote above does seem a bit harsh to me, especially because earlier you said you didn't want it to be "scathing" but written "from a place of love". Can you see her in your mind's eye as just being a damaged human being and not someone who is purposely trying to hurt you? Can you simply state what you need for YOUR life without telling her what is wrong with hers?
I know it's hard, but you'll feel better with your composition if you can detach from the bitter feelings. ((((Hugs))))