Originally Posted by
NYCDoglvr 
As a recovering alcoholic I can certainly relate how painful it is to see someone drunk, especially when you're forced to encounter them on a daily basis. I would share about it in AA or to a sponsor. If you see any abuse of the kids, or believe they're home unattended, I suggest calling social services. Other than that, it the best you can do is not speak to your neighbor, get in and out of your building as quickly as possible.
I completely agree with this. As an alcoholic, I have a couple of friends- one in particular- I am really concerned about. By proxy, I am also concerned about my boyfriend's ex-wife because her alcoholism actively affects their 14 year old daughter in significant ways.
But. I cannot effect change in anyone else. Hard when you care- or when you are a regular observer, particularly when kids are involved- but it is truly not your business. Not my circus, not my monkeys- keep my side of the road clean and pray for others- focus on my program not theirs...whatever you want to say to describe it, that's what I've gotta remember to do. As we say in AA, no one else caused it, can control it, or can cure it.
Also...and this may sound weird...but pp 417-418 of the BB apply here. "Nothing in God's world happens by mistake" - if we truly accept this, then we can perhaps look at these situations in the light that there is a reason this specific one exists. Perhaps one of the children will go up to have a huge impact in addiction recovery in some form. Perhaps both people will stop drinking and (re) build a new life in recovery. Perhaps...a tragic lesson will come from losing one of them for a reason. Whatever it is, there is a plan. Not ours to effect, in any situation in which we alcoholics know or care about others. I find some peace in that in the context of caring for others.
Prayers for this family who still suffers.