What a great friend you are but I hope it doesn't come at a price. Don't overwhelm yourself.

You sound very supportive but you can't MAKE him do something about his problem. He has to take responsibility for his illness and sometimes that means hitting bottom. It did for me anyway. It's sad but very true. We tend to get into these ruts where we become hopeless. Nothing is ever going to work. Why bother. You know what I mean? Maybe you can convince him to see a therapist but if he doesn't want to, well...there really isn't much you can do. Continue to encourage him and support him on a healthy level. Maybe you need to think about setting some clear boundaries with this, if only for you. It's so easy to get wrapped up into this.

Please take care of yourself. We tend to run people ragged. Be aware of what you need in your own life. The stress of him being so far away must be difficult but you are doing the best that you can.