We have just learnt that my sibling is an ICE addict. They have taken the first step in admitting it & seeing a doctor & psychologist. My question is where do we go from here? How can we help this person more forward. What should we not do?
I guess I'm asking for others experience & insight. We want to help & be there for this family member without over stepping or doing the wrong thing. It has come as a total shock & i just want my happy sibling back.
4 Replies
Firstly, big hugs, you've just entered quite a stressful time of your life, it gets harder as time goes on and the realisation of how deep your sibling is in. Ice is not easy to stop and getting better takes some time.
Don't lend them money, it only helps to afford the problem. If they need a roof because they cant pay rent, offer a bed, not cash. If they need food, give food not money... see where Im going with this.
Be supportive of their future dreams etc. Being an ear is good. Sometimes to just listen and not speak, so they dont feel like all you do is have an opinion on how they live their life. Let them know you are there for them, you want to see them happy and not wasting their lives away. Don't accept Ice, or they wont get over it. This will take time, so seek counselling for yourself as you will be drained too. I hope your sibling gets out of the ice trap soon and this doesn't drag out too long for you. Them having a stable job and a good plate of food every night is a great start to moving forward.
4 years being clean and my life is amazing!
There is life beyond an ice addiction....but getting clean, changing your habits, social circle etc will be one of the hardest things to overcome. Don't be fooled, just because they are clean, doesn't mean the hard work is over...it takes a long long time. Ice is such a crazy horrible debilitating drug that the first step really needs to be rehab.
Odyssey house is phenomenal!
It encumbesses all round treatment, both physically and mentally, all aspects of your life. People generally turn to drugs for a reason.
Rehabs are over flowing...but fight for a place. It will be the best chance your sibling will have at getting a happy healthy life back. Good luck!!!
IM here, thx you so much. Im not sure they are keen on rehab due to having to leave there child behind. They are currently going to meetings at a rehab clinic, having round the clock supervision at home & isn't allowed alone with their child. They are struggling tho as their relationship is breaking down as this was the last straw. I'm trying to be there but I've also got a family to look after & care for. I do think rehab is the best solution. Congratulations for being 4 years clean it gives me hope!
IM here, thx you so much. Im not sure they are keen on rehab due to having to leave there child behind. They are currently going to meetings at a rehab clinic, having round the clock supervision at home & isn't allowed alone with their child. They are struggling tho as their relationship is breaking down as this was the last straw. I'm trying to be there but I've also got a family to look after & care for. I do think rehab is the best solution. Congratulations for being 4 years clean it gives me hope!