Trying to save my sister

[Nicole1105]

My sister K is 10 years younger than me. Recently she told me that she takes Sub to get high. She said it's "only" once or twice a week, and that she does it so she doesn't drink. Sounds exactly like me, two years ago. I told her that the pills grab your mind and that soon it will be 3, 4 times a week then every day. She said she doesn't have the money for that kind of thing and I told her that she will find a way to get money and pills: lie, cheat, steal, etc. It's so sad to hear her talk like this because it's like talking to myself. I really hope that I can convince her to stop now while she won't have any WD symptoms. I reminded her of how bad I was last winter and told her to think about how I looked when I was in the hospital for ODing on Tylenol (I was too stupid to stop taking Vicodin one night and ingested 8,000 mg of Tylenol.)

I just can't believe this. My parents are borderline alcoholics, and I know K doesn't want to wind up like them. Only thing is, pills are no better (actually probably worse) than alcohol! She doesn't see that now. I am hoping to help her realize it...

[dominosarah]

All you can do is point her in the right direction and let her know you love her and will support her like you are doing.

I did find one thing you said interesting....."i am so afraid that pills could prove deadly if she's not extremely careful".  That is our concern also for you.  We learn to lead by example and our actions speak louder than words.  You stay on your tapering path and show yourself you can do it and at the same time your sister will see the good changes in you.

[Nicole1105]

Thanks Sarah. I know all too well that people won't listen to others and won't learn off of others' mistakes. Oh how much better the world would be if they could. I am no exception; for years Wifey told me to be careful with the pain pills because they are very addicting! Did I listen? Here I am, so obviously not.

I am definitely focusing on me right now. It just stinks because she's my sister and I love her and don't want to see her end up like me. I feel like if I can nip this in the bud while she's only doing it a few times a week and while she wouldn't experience WDs...but we all know that's not possible. She said so herself...she doesn't *want* to quit. So there we have it. I just fear she's going to become a full blown addict. On top of that she has some other issues that she's trying to work out, so I worry a LOT. I am so afraid that pills could prove deadly if she's not extremely careful. :(

I will definitely tell her about the forum. Maybe she'll visit and read all of our stories, and that will deter her from continuing down this road.

[dominosarah]

You can tell her all the evils of addiction but until she is ready to stop there is nothing you can do for her.  Show her the forum.  We would be more than willing to help her.  You have to take care of you first and foremost.  We have to get you tapered down and off the meds.