Trying to help

[Lovedone]

I think my sister has become addicted to hydrocodone. She has been taking it continually for about 6 or 7 months for a moderate back. Her behavior, always a little strange and self-centered, has become very erratic. She has horrible, sometimes violent mood swings. Always a very smart and capable person, but has now quit her job and never wants to leave her apartment. She is being evicted at the end of the month. She is exhibiting signs of severe depression and has virtually cut herself off from most family and friends. The only ones she will have communication with are the ones that sympathize with all her complaints. She really can no longer see how anything affects anyone but her. I am so scared for her, but more than that, I am scared for her 7 year old granddaughter, whom she is raising. She will only let M leave the house for school. M must be with her at all other times. She insists that M sleep with her. At times she screams at her and spanks her, hard, then she feels bad so she smothers her (literally) with love by hugging her so tight she has difficulty breathing. Like I said, she has always been somewhat self-centered, but her behavior lately has been very bizarre. Can anyone tell me if this sounds like addition? If so, what can I do? She has not confided any of this to me. Some of it I have observed, and some I am getting from other loved ones who live closer to her.

[Lovedone]

Thanks. I feel totally lost. I want to help her but she won't admit she has a problem. If I even bring up going to a therapist for her depression, she gets upset. I have a feeling I am going to have to intervene as far as my niece is concerned. She's being used as an emotional crutch and she has already been abandoned by both her parents. If I could just find some way to show my sister what her behavior is doing to others.

[road2recovery]

WOW!!  yes it does sound like something is going on...go with your gut...i can tell you that when i did not have any pills are was running low, i did snap at my kids...i never spanked them, but felt like **** about it, and yes would love on them because the quilt was so bad..

You will get alot of input here...i think you need to be there for the grand daughter..in my state if they do not go to school , CPS will get involved and they take that very seriously...
R2R