How can I get through this- my brother is an addict?

Question

My brother is 29 and an alcoholic who also does cocaine and takes other pills. He had been in jail for 4 yrs, which helped him get sober, clear his head, and basically grow up. He's been out since July and just found out he has been binge drinking and snorting cocaine again. I feel so helpless. He's going to either kill someone else or himself from a DUI, overdose, or go back to jail. I feel like there is no happy ending to this. I really feel the only reason he is alive right now is because he had to go to jail. I feel like my only option is to level with him when he is sober and convince him to go to rehab. He is so talented, has a job he loves, friends, a loving family, and pretty much a lot going for him, except he is an addict. I guess I am searching for advice on how to get through this, and how I can sleep at night without worrying about him.

Big Daddy · Answer

My son is the same way.  Sometimes being confronted by someone with mutual love (like a family member) can convince them to get help and get cleaned up.  But ultimately, only they can decide to be clean and sober.  Read up on Anon - and AA/NA as they have some advice for helping out.

Good luck and dont give up on your brother but don't take responsibility for him.  The pain can be too great.

superwoman · Answer

wow that is alot to handle and i sympathize for you, and my prayers go out to you and your family as well. but in a situation like this, i feel that it is best to let him find out for himself the harm he is doing. just threaten to walk out of his life and let him know that its not ok to have you staying up all night thinking of what he could be doing. tell him that he could lose everything, especially his family, but try to get him into rehab.

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How can I get through this- my brother is an addict?

2 Answers