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Do you think Im doing right thing with depressed drug addict brother

2 replies

chosenone · 31/01/2010 21:06

Just wondering really, wanting views from people who aren't emotionally attached I guess. Have posted before about my drug addict brother. Basically he's been injecting amphetamines for a few years (after getting clean 10 years ago!), things came out before xmas as he was signed off with depression and referred for councelling. He really tried over xmas, I was hopeful, as he got kids presents had a nice day. Then he got kicked out of his flat for anti social behaviour (people coming and going at all hours) and he has spiralled downwards, he is officially homeless but sharing a flat with some other junkies, he's admitted to using Heroin aswell now. I was sick to the stomach when I found out but have accepted it now.

I feel like myself and my parents have been going through the stages of grief- denial, then anger and now I've seem to have a sad acceptance of who he is.

We don't enable him by giving him money but do cook for him, he is aware that we are distressed by his situation and very saddened, he agrees and self harms due to self loathing . He has now been referred to a psychiatrist and had his anti depressant doage upped. I text him every day to say I love him and ask how he is, he usually tells me what he thiks I want to hear which I take with a pinch of salt. I know we can not save him and have to let him live this sad life until he 'wakes' up or dies, or goes to prison or something. I hate the feeling of waiting for something to happen, so am trying to emotionally detach and focus on my little family, DH very supportive- is this really enough? have looked into support for me and parents with a local group, need to get some my anger out.

OP posts:
willsurvivethis · 31/01/2010 21:10

As far as I can see you are doing everything for your brother that is current received wisdom and I admire you. You describe so well how hard and sad it must be.

I hope you manage to get some support for you and your parents - you certainly deserve it. And your brother should feel blessed to have you!

chosenone · 31/01/2010 21:15

what a lovely thing to say- thank you

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