How do addict hating family respond to the death of an alcoholic relative?
Sorry if the title is worded weirdly, I can't really think of a succinct way to put the question I'm asking and I'm not entirely sober which I don't think will get me banned from this sub but if it will then I'm stone cold sober every day for years.
My family think addicts are disgusting wastes of space who deserve to die and should get no help. They don't know I'm an alcoholic, or maybe they do, they know I'm a heavy drinker but they don't view me as an "alcoholic" in terms of an addict.
My family are the only people in the world who care about me and who I have a positive relationship with. I live with them and can't afford to move out. I've broached the subject before with my mum, tried to make it casual and asked what she thought of the rehab centre they're building in town. She said it was a waste of money, people like that don't deserve help and should just die. I asked how she'd feel if it were me in that situation and she responded "I'd just disown you if it were you". So that's their views on addicts and addiction, entirely unsympathetic.
Which is why I intend to hide this from them until I inevitably die very very young. My family love me and I know they would be gutted if I died from an accident or suicide but for this. Are they likely to just be like "oh well, it's what she deserved" and move on or to still be upset about it? I don't know which I'd prefer to be honest.
Posted Jul 6, 2026, 9:03 PM UTC