My Sister an Alcoholic and My Nephew's son a Heroin Addict

by Your sister
(Wonderland)

I once had a "wonderful" sister who laughed all the time. She cared about herself, all her family members, and her home. She adopted my nephew's son and raised him as her own.

She never married or ever had her own children due to her relationship with a married man that has existed for many years and still is in existence. In recent years, she has put on weight, stopped caring for herself, and her house. She has also gone to Alcoholic Rehab Classes and that didn't help.

My nephew's son is now 21 years old, a heroin addict, and still living with my sister. Nicholas has stolen money, jewellery, gift cards etc. over the years from my sister, mother, and family members. Nicholas's father died just this March 2010. Nicholas stole $200 from his father's wallet as he lay dead before he called the police and even went as far as to brag about it.

My sister has always forgiven him for all his wrong-doings. He tells my sister that he has stopped using heroin and is only now doing marijuana. And of course, she believes him even though he still is stealing.

My mother and I can not seem to get through to her and make her realize that she needs to get help first so that she can help him. Her reply is, "I know!" or "I'm trying to quit!" And by the end of the day she is drunk again.

My mother and I love her very much and it breaks our heart to see her this way. She has always been in denial of her alcoholism. Getting Professional Help is no problem finding - but getting them to get professional help is impossible!

Nicholas's best friend has recently passed away from heroin. My sister is blind to the idea that Nicholas can be next if he doesn't go to rehab. Her reply is, "he's over 18 years old ...I can't make him go!"

I've been told that Addicts come in all shapes and colors, it's easy to be blind when it hits home but we must not be so, so that we can help them. My mother and I are not blind to this and nor are we willing to give up in helping them.

Please, I need help in helping my family members: an Alcoholic and a Heroin Addict at the same time? What can my mother and I do, if they are not willing to help themselves? Thank you.