Misc72

I'm 45 years old my mother is 62. Somehow in life I have become her major source of income and I have just closed the business that she has been running for 13 years because it was a money pit. She will now work from home for my husband and I online business. She is taking a few weeks off to have a mental break. However as Predicted she is starting to day drink. Everyone like my siblings is concerned that this is going to be the norm. I don't even want her being affiliated with anything that is associated with my business if this is the case. I can't believe I've gotten into this major codependent situation. I too struggle with the drink and I'm very active in the other forms for my own problems. However I've always been the child of an alcoholic and it's not helping my serenity. I just thought I'd post here and get some support in this area. Thank you.

trailmix

As this will affect your income, I think all you can do is be very clear with her that she can't drink while working.

Many alcoholics go to work daily, sober, perhaps she can be one of them. Granted hung over is probably not the best either, however since you have offered her this job you must believe she is capable of handling it?

If she is drinking while working you really can't have her working for you. I know it's tough but I think you will have to let her know that.

soberista

Family business! Nightmare...just sold one thats been in the family since 1973. My advice would be to go and talk to a very good counsellor about how to deal with all of this...preferably someone with transactional analysis training. Life led me down a road after my father died that included a number of visits to a TA counsellor. It helped me to resolve my feelings about my mother but also the business and our relationships within it. It was because of all that that has also led me into a new life that doesnt include alcohol. I really believe that in these situations because there are so damn many feelings and power plays interwoven over so many years uninvolved third party advice is the way forward. Hope that helps. Xx

Bekindalways

Ugh Sunshine. I have never been in your situation. It sounds beyond challenging.

Soberista, sounds like he has been down a similar road.

Let us know how it goes and what you do.

AnvilheadII

would you hire another employee with a known drinking problem? it's a business, treat it as such.