Moral dilemma

What an awful situation to be in - for everyone. As her brother brought her and her children back to the UK and, it would appear, is a supportive brother is it possible to work with him to approach the problem? Presumably he is well aware of the maintenance and community responsibilities you have regarding the cottage? Can you work with him and local alcohol support services to devise a plan of treatment and support for his sister? If you work together and it fails, as it may well do, you will both know you have given it the best you know how and nobody can do more than that. Alcoholism is a terrible disease and sometimes there are no answers and no solutions. Tragically, sometimes you have to let people go before they drag everyone else down with them.

When she is sober would you be able to get her to see her GP and go with her if necessary for some support if she will allow. If that is not possible due to the chaotic life of an alcoholic, maybe speak to your own GP about how it is affecting you and he/she may be able to point you in the right directio to get appropriate help.There are many support groups for this type of problem but it is knowing where to turn especially when you are clearly upset and stressed about the whole situation.

Do you speak to her at all? I think you and her brother need to talk to her when she's sober and tell her straight to sort out help for her drinking or she will be evicted. He installed her in the cottage but he can't then abandon responsibility to you. She needs help and an incentive to stop drinking and clearly needs a nudge in that direction.

Oh dear, I didn't want to read and run but have no advice, just sympathy

My heart goes out to you, a very difficult situation. There will be lots if good advice from experienced gransnetters.