Brother using drugs/ denial

[kc1021]

I learned the my 20 year old brother has been abusing prescription drugs (oxycontin among others) for awhile and we've set up an intervention with an interventionist and family and friends.  First we tried asking him to get help but he denied that he had any problem.  I am writing to see if anyone has been a part of an intervention and how you or your loved one responded.   We are particularly worried because my brother also seems depressed and angry most of the time and we aren't sure if this will set him off.  We really want him to accept our help, but we think he may deny it and we're worried about what will happen after the intervention.  Any advice or words are appreciated, thank you.

[addictedme]

Him ending up in rehab is about the best result you could ask for but now its entierly up to him so hes in the best place he can be,,,now,what about you and your family ? Addiction effects everyone, especially close family. I suggest that your family learn about addiction,learn about having a loved one who has this disease and use whatever resource your comfortable with. Religion, the forum and a great place would be nar anon or narc anon,,programs for familys dealing with addiction. Yes he has some huge issues to deal with but only he can do that,,,prayers for you all

[toxictome]

That is awesome news..I hope he surrenders and can find peace and serenity in his life.
Let us know how things are going?

[flmagi]

That is so great to hear !  Keep us posted on his progress. You all did a wonderful thing and should be really proud. You all may have just saved your brothers life. Very good.

[kc1021]

Just thought Id give an update and say that we did the intervention last night and my brother is on his way to rehab today. We were all incredibly nervous but his friends pulled through tremendously and my brother made the decision to get help.  Im keeping my fingers crossed that he uses this time to really find the closure he needs and that he finds his inner strength.  

Good luck to eveyone going through tough times.  Thanks for the support, it has helped.

[kc1021]

Thanks for the support, I appreciate it a lot! And good for you all for using your experiences to help others.  

[whathefu_k]

New intervention show on Monday night at 9 pm- about a young girl on heroin- pretty much the same thing as OC- that should give you an idea about how he may react

[newmanagment]

You bet its common, the lose of his leg is a BIG issue, and maybe some mental health counseling would be in order. I lost my left eye and most of my top teeth when i was shot, and it worked bad on my mind!! still does as im sure your brother still thinks about his leg. your right tho , he has to clean up before he can learn his "inner" issues that are causing him to use. this post is gettin bumped to the bottom so pm me if ya need 2!!

[kc1021]

He is most def in denial, its obvious to all of us around him that he has been using drugs.  He had cancer when he was 16 and had to have his leg amputated.  Hes a great looking guy, smart, etc but he struggled with what happened to him.  His friends graduated from highschool, are in college and he hasnt been able to get there.  I think he struggles from depression or maybe even is bipolar but first and foremost he needs to get clean before we can help him with his other problems.  Is it very common for people to suffer from addiction in addition to depression/ other mental problems?  Thanks

[newmanagment]

I usually find that ANY time my heart is hurt i try to escape with cocaine. I had to do alot of searching within myself to find that and admit it. i can take all physicall pain, i got shot in head and body and refused pain meds. but let someone hurt my heart and away i go.....
trouble- sooo sorry to hear about your pain, i cant even imagine. but my prayers are with you!!

[troubleinohio]

newmanagement brings up some good points..beneath the drug usage are core issues of why people begin to use in the first place...what is he numbing himself to? Do you know? Not many people here even know (if any at all, I havent really talked about it here I dont think) but one of my issues that initially lead me to using was trying to bury pain from a rape. I have other issues as well of course but that was a biggie.
good luck to you, I hope your brother admits his problem and wants and ultimately accepts the help. Keep us posted.  

[newmanagment]

He may have some underlying issues that causes him to use drugs. 90% of us use drugs as an escape from one thing or another. but after "escaping" so many times we develop an addiction. if he thinks he is in control of his drug use he is in denial!!! maybe showing him how the whole family feels and drawing attention to his problem will wake him up. good luck with the intervention

[kc1021]

Thanks for the advice. I have another question - will someone only get help when they realize that they have a problem? I really think that my brother believes that he does not have a drug addiction.  I think he thinks that he has other problems and the drugs are there and make him feel better, but that he is not addicted.   So Im just wondering when a person realizes they have an addiction and when they accept help.  Thanks!!

[swtbreezie]

I am not qualified to make any suggestions here but my heart goes out to you and prayers I sure hope it works for you.  God Bless
swtbreezie

[flmagi]

Wow, I didn't know they really had interventionists other than the TV show.  Good luck, thats gonna be a ruff situation, I'm sure. Wishing you and your family all the best.
This is something we may have to do with my other sister down the road. I will dread that day, so I don't envy what you're about to go thru. I bet you're really nervous about it.
Hopefully he will accept the help and love.

[toxictome]

It may work just the opposite, too!!
Maybe it will be a BIG weight off his shoulders.
Depressed and angry may be part of the  drug using cycle, but maybe not!
Dont' be accusatory...give him support and tell him you love him and you are worried and want him to get some help. The interventionist should talk to you guys about it and explain how it works.

YOU ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENS AFTERWARDS!!!

GOOD LUCK...I KNOW THIS IS HARD.

[newmanagment]

good luck, sounds like you need the intervention. he will probably get angry , we do when called on our addiction.. right now focus on what YOU want to get thru to him. the interventionist will help with the rest. My prayers are with you and your family...