How can I help my sister with drug addiction?

Question by hasu: How can I help my sister with drug addiction?
My younger sister recently admitted to me that she has been taking drugs, she is only 19 and still lives at home with our parents. She has come to live with me temporarily and has begged me not to tell anybody else about her problem, but I don’t know how to help her! I don’t have any experience with any of this. To be honest I am finding it difficult to support someone who has terrible mood swings and can often be aggressive with me. I don’t want to go behind her back and tell anyone else about her problem, but I don’t think I can cope alone. What should I do?

Best answer:

Answer by Trevor
Caring for someone with a drug addiction can be very difficult, your sister’s emotions will be all over the place and she won’t be able to control her mood and her aggression, which in turn makes it very difficult for you to stay positive and supportive. If things are really getting to you, maybe you should tell her that you both need help, you could seek professional medical help and also speak to your parents about the situation, the more support your sister (and you) have, the better. The most important thing for you to do is stay supportive of your sister and positive about the situation, but in order to do this you must take time for yourself to recharge your batteries. Try to escape from the situation for short periods of time, when it is safe to leave your sister, so that you don’t get overwhelmed and stressed out. Here is an article from the UK’s NHS service on caring for a drug user: http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/guide/kinds/Pages/caring-for-drug-misuse.aspx this should provide you with more information about how to help someone with a drug problem.

If you still feel like you need to speak to someone or need more help in this situation, then think about speaking to SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence), find contact details and useful information on their website: http://www.drugaware.co.za/contact.html.

When I was kicking my crack addiction I didn’t make it easy for the people trying to care for me, they could have easily have given up on me but if they did I honestly don’t think I’d have become sober. Reading my story, http://www.SecretsMakeYouSick.com may provide you with some comfort, and open your sisters eyes to the reality of her problem.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

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