Is my brother a sociopath?

[Ky189]

So I am 21, my little brother is 12, nearly 13. For a while things have been going missing - knives, cans of Dry Lemon (my moms, which she protects with her life), dads favourite whiskey, some eggs, etc. Today, we (my 20 year old sister and myself) uncovered all the dry lemon cans stabbed through multiple times, hidden outdoors with the knives too (when questioned, he denied ever knowing where they were). One can has been crudely turned into a bong. We also found shot glasses which smell like they contained alcohol, as well as empty cigarette boxes and cigarette butts.

My brother has also been having trouble at school - not completing work, not following instructions etc. He also recently announced to the family (via text message?) that he was gay - which wouldnt have been a problem if considered to be genuine, but it seemed more attention seeking in this context? My sister also had a USB that wasnt hers plugged into her laptop full of insults to her... only person with access could have been my brother.

Anyone know what is going on? Please help!

[Squoosh]

Your brother sounds like he is really struggling with something and could do with support. Perhaps he is gay and is finding it hard to come to terms with, or perhaps he is finding school difficult and is acting out because he feels a bit of a failure, or maybe there is something else going on in his life which he hasn't told you about (bullying, girl problems, or perhaps something even more serious like sexual abuse) which has really upset him and he doesn't know how to deal with it? Whatever the reason, it sounds like he needs help & love to get over it, not punishment or judgement. It would be wise to get a professional involved, ideally a counsellor who specialises in troubled teens.

[Sigebryht]

he has too much energy get him into boxing and don't be pathetic about will he be violent to you, that will drain his excess energy

[Here_to_help_not_professional]

Do you know anything about the friend groups he socialises with? As they may play a big part in his behaviour, maybe he was pressured into stealing the objects described and persuaded/ pressured into using them. This could be to impress friends or he could not be involved for example the bong,this could be an act of the friends; you should defiantly not rule this out and have faith that your brother isn't getting involved with this stuff but  this could be related to the school incidents as well .The gay situation may be for attention or could be like a cry for help, maybe he is unhappy. What's the relationship between family members like for him? Healthy? As this could be a big problem for him. As he is 12 I would say it could just be a rebellious phase of his that he might just pass through. However talk to family and don't rule out anything if you feel worried and I hope for the best and that this doesn't continue , the best of luck to you x

[sdgdgs]

I would take him to therapy. If things don't get better, then I suggest sending him to a behavioral health unit, just to have a few days from home to "recover". If that doesn't work, you should consider a long-term behavioral health hospital.

[Sandman2]

   Yes, I would be worried.  Not that he is a sociopath, but that he has a condition that is causing him to self medicate.  
  The problems in school and several of the other things would suggest something like ADHD or ADD.  This link will help you decide if that is a possiblilty - https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/attention-deficit-disorder-adhd-in-children.htm
   This is something that the school should be getting on top of.  At his age, I am guessing that he has recently began middle school, which means that they are just now beginning to get a feeling for him.   It is important for your parents to follow up with the school in seeking help.
   I hope this helps.   Please post if you have any questions about this adhd thing.