Darkrunner, yes I did find it validating although I felt bad for her, in some ways I think it being a brother is worse than a cousin, as at least I didn't have to see him all of the time.

It's weird for me to feel so totally comfortable with someone right off the bat, so I definitely want her in my life, I'm really struggling with the addiction right now and I know she can be supportive. Also she has contacts in the MH system and may be able to get me a referal to a pdoc who also does talk therapy if I decide after 6 months that I can't work with my current pdoc.

It's also nice to have some family in the city.