Lucky
I understand that it not at all easy, and you should listen to the AA - she is the only one who can stop, so don't feel guilty.
I think you can e-mail the AA now, or alternatively the Samaritans (I know you're not suicidal, but they provide trained counsellors who can help you come to terms with it).
I could never get my head round it too. Al was a skilled craftsman, who actually enjoyed his job, and could have earnt a decent wage if he'd gone to work often enough! He had a nice cosy little house in a nice location, friends and family who cared for him, a gorgeous daughter, the world was his oyster really.
And he through it all away because he liked his beer too much!!!!!!
Why??? I know life can be sh** sometimes, and when I was feeling really bad, it was certainly tempting sometimes to "give up", I think something inside just makes some alcoholics just "switch off".
He has been in and out of rehab ever since.
Thats really terrible about your mum living like that, but always remember that she has a choice, and try not to feel any sort of guilt or blame.
I hope this is helping somehow Lucky, because I am finding it quite hard to know what to say. I just keep remembering all that Al through at me, and how despondent and helpless it made me feel.
Did she get any help in hospital, other than nursing, i.e. counselling? If she knew the hospital was her last chance, didn't they follow up her discharge with some help at home? Maybe you could do something positive, and help her that way?
Love
Charlie