Is it time to intervene?

My brother-in-law is addicted to roxys.  How do I know when it's time to act?  My sister just doesn't have the strength to deal with it and I don't want to stand by and let her husband kill himself.  I worry that he'll end up in a ditch or in a hospital or something like that.  I worry that in his desperation to find more sources, he'll get mixed up with some bad people.

On the other hand...am I over-stepping my bounds?  Can anyone tell me when's the right time to take matters into my own hands?  I've been researching interventions and I think I'm ready to proceed; I just need to know I'm doing the right thing.

[krissy30]

Everyone has a different opinion....When my family noticed I was on heavier drugs like Heroin (and not Cocaine like they thought), they finally approached me...But, I was 18 and thought I knew it all, I got very angry at them and pushed myself further into my addiction....However now I know they were trying to save me from a terrible life and lots of everlasting pain....I really wished I had listened...But, instead of being supportive they were trying to be forceful...You cannot force anybody to get clean it will only make them feel pushed into a corner...

Having said that, you really need to talk with your sister and make her be a part of it....She thinks she's tired, imagine how her husband feels....He probably knows he has a problem, but like all addicts his addiction is stronger than him right now....He needs help....YES, by all mean intervene, but with your sister's support, all his loved ones should be there, not just you.  And be prepared for him to be VERY angry....but remember it's probably not all anger, but shame, guilt and self loathing.  The sooner he stops using, the better....It will just get harder to quit the longer he is on opiates.

I don't have all the answers, but I hope this helps.  Good luck, you will all need it, you and him and his family.

[bigboyondeck]

yes you are doing the right thing because if no body else is brave enough to help him well i guess its up to you good luck

[refusingbondage]

Choosing to confront an addict in an effort to save their life is never ever wrong my friend.  

He may or may not choose to accept the help and he will likely be angry but its not a bad thing.  Besides lots of addicts really deep down want to be confronted and helped.  I remember hearing about interventions when I was in heavy active addiction and secretly wanting one.  Id never admit it then though.

I hope your brother in law accepts and receives the help he needs. You should feel good about trying to help him.  Good luck and God bless.