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Brother in Downward Spiral

nania7707nx March 16th, 2021

My brither and I have both have addiction problems since we were teens. We had the same friends and drank, did drugs and partied together (He's 2 years younger than me). We also both share our trauma together. We were physically, sexually, and mentally abused (often at the same moment in time) so in many ways we are very connected. I went down a very self destructive path after our mother's death (she was an alcoholic) from about 2010 to 2016 I was a mess. Suicide attemtps, self harm, severe addiction, DUI, and just adding more trauma ontop of what I already felt. Well, I started therapy, got on meds to stabilize my moods, and started group therapy which all really helped. Unfortunately my brother has started his own self destructive path recently and is up to a fifth of vodka or more every day, plus pills if he can find them. He drives to work every day and his job is starting to notice how bad he is. In the past month he has broke his arm, wrecked two cars, and collapsed at work and had to be escorted off the job for being intoxicated. I am trying to help him any way I can, but my first priority is to get him off the road. How do I do this? Who should I call? This whole situation is just wearing on me physically, mentally, and emotionally. My husband and I are trying to rally friends together to help him. My father is almost no help, so I really have very little family members to turn to. I just need help.

1
lovelyWhisper66 March 16th, 2021

@nania7707nx Hi nania, I am so sorry to hear about what is going on with your brother. You are a great sibling for doing your best to be there for him despite the challenges. What are his thoughts on getting help? I hope you take the time for self care as well; taking care of oneself is vital in taking care of others. If you haven't already, feel free to check out our family and caregivers subcommunity for further support & resources here. Feel free to also check out this article here.

Just to let you know, I moved your post to the appropriate forum category. If you have any further questions or concerns, let us know. It is wonderful to hear that you got the help you needed, and I hope the same goes for your brother. You are a true inspiration. Best wishes to you and your brother!