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Topic: Looking for the words to say to my sister
Topic Posted by: Sheila (fredwalinc@juno.com )Date Posted: Tue Mar 31 11:47:11 1998
Topic Description: I was speaking to my 16 year old sister the other night (before series was on). First some background - our brother is an addict and my boyfriend is a recovering addict/alcoholic. We've seen the destruction, the transformation, the whole bit. However, she told me she doesn't think there is anything wrong with getting high, and mentioned a few people (my age, 27) who use and are fine. In fact it's better than cig. I was stunned at what to say. I am hoping to watch Part 4 with her and wish I had seen Part 1 and 2, to be able to point out the physical and mental things drugs do to your body. Why is not everyone who uses an addict/alcoholic - I don't know, but the only way to know is to become one. What a way to find out. If anyone has any ideas that I can use, please let me know. Addiction scares me and I know it will be easier to stop it before it even starts. Thanks
Posted by: Connie (celiason@eoni.com )
Date posted: Wed Apr 1 11:41:04 1998
Subject: response to "words to say to my sister"
Message:
I feel for your situation. I come from a long line of alcoholics on my mother's side of the family. My mother was an alcoholic; and a wonderful woman. She died two years ago at age 64 of cirrhosis of the liver. I watched her slowly kill herself, and the final two months were spent in the hospital with many painful procedures. One of the last things she said to me was "I'm scared". It broke my heart. I knew it was probably the first time that the reality of her drinking finally had broken through her denial. She finally "got it", but it was too late. She died within an hour of that. I miss her terribly. And now my older sister is showing the same behavior. I only have one sibling, and sure don't want to watch her go down the same road. It's a long road. And full of pain, sadness, and a lot of suffering. The only thing I can suggest is to look your sister in the eyes and with all your heart say to her "I don't want you to die". I said those words to my mom one time years ago, and it was the only time I ever saw a spark of recognition in her eyes that maybe she really could die from her drinking. It quickly went away as her denial gripped her mind again. I always wonder if I had been more persistent, that maybe she would still be alive. Just keep saying it to your sister; let her know you really mean it. Maybe it will have an impact. Good luck.
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