How can you tell if your parent is an alcoholic?

My father was an alcoholic when I was young and died of it when I was about 8 but I wont get into that. My mom drinks almost every day around 6:00 at home. She gets very sad acting and overly emotional when she drinks and always talks about death(creeps me out). Even though I dont think she is an alcoholic I still feel very resentful of her drinking. She works most of the time so I take care of myself a lot I do a lot of cleaning and cooking for myself and I handle school pretty well alone though. It seems like every time I want to talk to her she is either on the phone or drinking or both. Maybe I just dont like it because my dad died of alcoholism or because of the way she acts when she drinks. Every time I try to tell her that it bothers me she gets really defensive about it or angry. She knows it bothers me and my brother but continues to do it. Is this a sign of addiction? Are there any signs that I should be looking out for?

Sounds like a problem. You can't do much about her, but you can know that if she is an alcoholic it is NOT your fault and you can only take care of yourself. I don't know how old you are but I would suggest ala-teen if there are any available in your area. It will help you understand her behavior and teach you how to take care of yourself. If you can't get to ala-teen talk to the guidance counselor at school. Not talking about it will only make it worse. Best of luck.

Everything that you listed is a sign of addiction, she drinks everyday, gets sad and talks abotu dying, she may also be depressed

If she is drinking EVERY DAY, especially alone, then she is definitely an alcoholic. The fact that she gets so defensive is a sign as well, as is the fact that she does it despite the wishes of those who love her. I highly recommend that you contact Al-Anon. It is for people just like you who have loved ones that abuse alcohol. Check out the links below for more information. Good luck!

it dose sound like she is addiction. sorry. do you have a family member you are close too that may be able to help you? i hope so. you need someone in your life that you can rely on. i am so sorry you have to be in this after already losing your dad. :(

Well if she is drinking a substantial amount of alcohol which seems to be the case then there is a strong possibility that she may be addicted. If she is ignoring you when you talk to her about her problem and isn鈥檛 taking any steps to stop drinking then sooner or later rehab is the answer. There is no other way trust me. No amount of love or talking can cure an addiction.

REHAB

yes, there is signs........although i don't know all of them the defensive thing says a whole lot. her getting angry tells me she don't like to hear about it. my father is an alcoholic, but he doesn't think he has a problem. i'm 36 and married, don't have to deal with it, but unfortuanly, you do (bless your heart) and it ain't easy. get your mom a pamplet on this addiction and leave it where she will she it,along with a note from you begging her to read it and tell her your feelings , how it makes you feel when she drinks. if she won't listen to your words in person, leave them on paper.let her know how much you love her and that it hurts you for her to drink. tell her you want some time just for you and her with no drinking.
maybe a pamplet and note from you will make her wake up and smell the coffee. take care sweetie, and good luck

Based on your description your mother are alcoholic already that make her a habit or habitual. Alcohol or drinking liquer become part of her day to day activity, that affect of her health and disturbance on your part as children.
What was she doing rigth now is all defense mechanic trying to forget things that had happened in your life which she can not accept. Drinking is just an outlet of unexpress
bother feeling. She is emotionally weak and don't know how to handle problem and trial that comes into her life.
Why don't you try to convince her in a diplomatic and encouraging words that will hit her inner mind and feeling. It will somehow affect and wake up her sleeping agony.It's hard to do it it will really take a lot of effort before you can succeed. Then, look for a doctor whom she can undergo a alcoholic theraphy for her rehabilitation. Possibly she can recover from being alcoholic, and if you can do at the same time make undergo a liver check up if there's some health problem exist in her.

Sounds like it. You might look into al-anon. I'm sorry you have to go through that. I'll pray for you. Have you ever asked the Lord into your life? I did many years ago and He has helped me and blessed me a lot. Try reading the Bible (New Testament first).
Also Psalms and Proverbs. Psalm 34:4 says "I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears".
Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Maybe you could get counseling from a church pastor? Try to trust in the Lord. God loves you. Jesus died for your sins and rose again. Please look up these Bible verses: Romans 10:13, Romans 5:8, Romans 3:23, John 3:16.