This is the first time I am posting on the forum but I have been here a lot and really appreciate everyone's advice and truthful perspective.
My Journey started a few years back with the suspected drug use of my brother. This escalated into psychotic episodes, a trip to hospital and the loss of his business. I had a steep learning curve about enabling and most of my support now is someone at the end of the phone, food and maybe the odd tank of gas.
Rock bottom (if it really is) has been tough, losing properties a business and most of his possessions. Since Christmas I believe he has been clean (DOC Meth) he became the thoughtful caring brother I once knew. But now he is so depressed, lonely talking subside etc.
I dont know how to help, I have suggested support, doctors, councillors, local NA but he isn't interested. My mum is beside herself about this and we are both at a loss of what to do. He has also lost a lot of friends because of his awful behaviour.
I have in the back of my mind is this could be because he is using again.
I would really like anyones suggestions on how to help without putting aside my life, as I'm a busy working mum.
Thanks for reading!
Hopeful sister hi and welcome. I think you are doing what you can do and the rest is up to him. I know he's depressed and it would be depressing to realize what his addiction has cost him. Awareness is key to change and growth. I don't know much about meth but it seems to affect emotions/depression but I'm not really sure.
Hello.
Warning I'm a little hardcore on my opinions
If he really really wants to change stay clean he'll be able to fight a little longer on his own and believe it or not if he can endure periods of depression, not necessarily clinical but negative emotions he should be better off in the long run.
Part of the issue with many addicts/alkies is they don't, won't or can't cope with the normal ups and downs in life. Everything must be an up for them. That's why coping skills frequently come up in addiction. They must learn to cope rather than drink or drug.
Keep an eye on him but and offer some support but every emotion or tough period can't lead to running to a specialist. That being said anything you can do to keep things going in a positive direction probably won't hurt but don't spoil him. Offer advice, support and options, don't cater to them.
Good Luck
Warning I'm a little hardcore on my opinions
If he really really wants to change stay clean he'll be able to fight a little longer on his own and believe it or not if he can endure periods of depression, not necessarily clinical but negative emotions he should be better off in the long run.
Part of the issue with many addicts/alkies is they don't, won't or can't cope with the normal ups and downs in life. Everything must be an up for them. That's why coping skills frequently come up in addiction. They must learn to cope rather than drink or drug.
Keep an eye on him but and offer some support but every emotion or tough period can't lead to running to a specialist. That being said anything you can do to keep things going in a positive direction probably won't hurt but don't spoil him. Offer advice, support and options, don't cater to them.
Good Luck
Thanks for taking the time to reply SallyAnn and SameGame.
I know there is very little I can do, he needs to be willing to help himself. We use to be very close, so it is hard to see this happening to him.
The more I think about it, the more I think he has been using again in the last few weeks and the depression is probably part of the withdrawal. But after years of meth use as you say life ain't as interesting sober.
I will keep hopeful and try not to get dragged into the choas.
Thanks again!
I know there is very little I can do, he needs to be willing to help himself. We use to be very close, so it is hard to see this happening to him.
The more I think about it, the more I think he has been using again in the last few weeks and the depression is probably part of the withdrawal. But after years of meth use as you say life ain't as interesting sober.
I will keep hopeful and try not to get dragged into the choas.
Thanks again!
