Hi SilentGirl, you sound like a loving and caring daughter - one that any parent would be very proud off. I wish there was good advice I could give you on how you can help your mother but, the truth is, she has to want to get better herself first. Until that happens, there is nothing anyone can do and it will just result in a lot of pain for everyone. The best thing you can do is keep your self sane, make sure you are getting the support you need, NEVER blaming yourself and being there if and when she needs help getting better. good luck - and feel free to come back for help or support if you need it.
I know how adults feel about their sons and daughters but i am the concerened for my mom. I dont know that women anymore and i sometimes cant even see myself to call her mom because shes not the wome that gave birth to me shes not the one who tucked me in at night and always put her kids first. This person makes her kids do everything for her and sometimes doesnt even remember their names.I wish i could help my mom liek the kids that have helped thier parents on this site as stories have been posted,. But how do i do that exactly?
It's the families that seemingly don't have any issues or serious problems that are most likely the most f-ed up.
Everyone families are dysfunctional in their own ways.. I don't believe for one second that there is anyone out there that is considered normal.. everyone has some secret, some vice or crutch or is damaged goods in some way.
I'm sure they do help some people, it just seems that they are more addictive than the other drugs in that realm, maybe it is just that they are prescribed more than the other drugs of that class. My niece has agoraphobia and panic attacks, Xanex is one of the meds prescribed to her for those conditions but she also has a fear of pills due to her mothers previous pill addictions so she will not take any meds for her conditions, it is a sad situation. Oh my, my family is so dysfunctional.
I know for me there was a time that xanax really helped me. I was suffering from panic attacks and anxiety from not only previously being in a abusive relationship but also having post tramatic stress from a really bad car accident. I think when used for short term treatment and closely monitored by a doctor they can help people. However due to the state of our health care system doctors no longer spend the amount of time with patients to know whether they are being helped. they just prescribe more meds for the symptoms and don't bother treating what is really going on with the person.