Has anyone else’s mom completely imploded financially and still refuses to acknowledge that her addiction played any part or needs to stop?

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My mum has lost her house, has significant credit card debt, has no job, no longterm financial security, lost her car, my step father is a compulsive gambler.

My mum is still unwilling to consider that her drinking and cigarette smoking have contributed to where she is today.

Every suggestion is met with reasons why it won’t work. She doesn’t think she needs therapy and doesn’t seem to believe she needs to change anything about herself.

I’m genuinely trying to understand this psychologically. Is this denial? Addiction? Shame? Lack of insight? Fear?

I’d really appreciate hearing from people who’ve lived through some similar with a alcoholic parent.

Posted Jul 29, 2026, 6:40 AM UTC

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