How do you know someone is dying from liver failure? mum is an alcoholic and has discharged herself from hospital a few times in the past week.

You can't: The more important question is what support you are getting for yourself. Do you have a counselor to help you deal with this, or at least a trusted friend or relative? Have you ever been into alanon or alateen? Family members can petition a court for involuntary commitment. Liver failure produces jaundice, which gets worse, abdominal distension, edema in legs, easy bruising and confusion.