[ImperfectHuman]

Hi all,

I was not sure where to post this, so if I need to repost elsewhere please let me know.

Anyway, my brother and I are only siblings, in our late 30s, and have lost both our parents in the last 2 years. Mental health and substance abuse are common between us, as we both deal with depression and anxiety. I have been sober for almost 12 years but his drinking has gone way down hill since losing our mom in feb. I feel for him, but I also see him slowly killing himself. He admits he does not see himself living much longer if he keeps going th way he is. He says it’s ok because he has got people to see (meaning my parents). I do not know what I would do if I lost him now too. He doesn’t seem to care about his life or what anyone thinks anymore. When I mention my concern about his drinking, he tells me I am way too uptight and being self righteous, he’s just joking about dying etc etc..

Is there any way to get through to him. I know for myself I had to hit my bottom before I could come back up. My fear is he will die before he gets there. I feel like I am basically watching my brother slowly kill himself and it’s killing me.

Thanks.

[mote.of.soul]

Hello ImperfectHuman. What about giving him some Alcoholics Anonymous pamphlets to read? He may or may not read them, but the gesture might continue reinforcing your concerns. Hang in there and stay hopeful. It's possible he'll reach a point soon, where he's had enough drinking.

[SlumberKitty]

Its hard to sit and watch someone self destruct but its also hard to stop them because unless they want to stop, they aren't going to. ((((hugs)))) try to get some support for yourself during this time so you can be there for your brother as much as he allows without letting yourself get dragged down emotionally.