Mom's guilt will live on

Debbie Crowell, 29, dabs tears as she talks about drinking during her pregnancies.

Debbie Crowell weeps for lost time - time she could have spent with her children.
Crowell, 29, is the mother of seven, ranging from 7 months to 15 years old. One daughter has fetal alcohol syndrome, and doctors worry that her youngest may be a victim as well.
"I could have been coloring with them, or reading them books," Crowell said. "But I didn't have time to put the beer can down to read them a story."
After being an alcoholic half her life, Crowell is learning to live without the bottle. It hasn't been easy.
Through Las Amigas, a residential treatment program for addicted pregnant women and new moms, Crowell is finding the strength to put her life back together. She's focusing on herself and her children, and not the booze that twisted her mind and priorities.
She's learning to be a good mom to the children she adores.
Crowell came to Las Amigas, operated by CODAC Behavioral Health Services, after giving birth to Sabrina last April. Crowell drank throughout the pregnancy, usually an 18-pack of Budweiser each day. Sometimes she used cocaine as well.
When Sabrina was born, the baby tested positive for cocaine. A Child Protective Services caseworker told Crowell to get help or lose her children.
Crowell, who has lived her life in Ajo, was angry when she checked in to Las Amigas, a long-term residential treatment program. She didn't think she had a problem.