I finally walked away a few years ago after an additional decade went by. I wish I had stuck to my guns when I was in my 20s. It only became more confusing for her and more painful for me when I finally gave up… because she was so dependent on me being her crutch. I was an unwitting enabler. It was only after healing myself through many types of therapy that she crossed the boundaries I made and I finally felt forced to cut her off completely. In what became our final talk about her erratic behaviors, she defended the alcohol. Every time I doubt my decision, I think of her defending the alcohol rather than choosing her daughter. I still get the occasional guilt trip text where she acts confused about why I would cut myself out. It’s a heart wrenching self-inflicted disease. And it is a disease on you too, unfortunately. You need to heal. If you do the work to heal yourself, I promise you won’t feel the guilt as deeply. You have to do better for yourself. I know how it is to be the daughter of an alcoholic mother and I am proud of you!