Liver damage from alcohol? -

how can i support a friend that will not admit to family and friends that she has a drinking problem. Her mother has convinced her that myself and another friend are interfering. She has all the symptoms of liver damage and says she is on the transplant list because a gall stone was attached to her liver and when it was removed it got damaged. Her stomach is always swollen, she itches, swollen legs and has had a minor stroke, hypertension loss of appetite. There are various others including anger and lies.

Attend some Al-Anon meetings for yourself. These meetings will put you in contact with others that are dealing with the same issues and can offer you the tools and guidance needed to cope. One of the biggest problems is facing the fact that there is only so much that you can do. When these people and some family members are in denial, the problem can sometimes seem a losing battle. At least the meetings can offer you some peace of your own, and you can learn better ways to communicate and offer a healthier means of support to your friend. Give it a shot and good luck, it s a LONG and winding road.

The fact that her own mother does not see that she has a life threatening condition aggravated by drinking will make it difficult for anyone to convince her otherwise, and I find her mother s level of denial very disturbing. Anger and lies are very common in addiction. Someone else suggested that you go to Al Anon meetings, and I think that will help you, and may give you some other ideas about how to help your friend. Unless she stops drinking, she will die from liver failure. If she does get a transplant, but continues drinking, her new liver will be damaged as well.

There isn t a whole lot you can do, until she admits she has a problem. She can only help herself with your support, you can t do it for her unfortunately.