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Is my sister abusing drugs?

I'm not sure how to approach this situation.  My adult sister (32) has been on a downward spiral for a few years now and I think she may be abusing prescription pills now.  She lost her job a few years ago and had to move back in with my mom.  She had been dealing with some health problems at the same time.  Over the last few years she has become a hermit crab.  She stays in her room with her boyfriend for most of the day sleeping on and off.  Both seem high at times with slurred speech, glassy eyes, and can't seem to keep their eyes open.  They rarely eat real food but I have never seen people consume sugar like these two.  I recently saw my sister put 13 teaspoons of sugar in her coffee.  Each one eats dessert for 3 to 4 people.  She has gained massive amounts of weight, lies about everything, and is constantly getting into car accidents.  I don't know for sure if the these are all related but it seems to make sense.  She recently had to have a few teeth removed because they were so rotted.  She of course denies everything and thinks I am just giving her a hard time.  I'm getting worried though.  Any thoughts?
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Avatar universal
Why not have a little intervention meeting?You,your mom and any other worried friends and relatives. The goal being to have her admit what she has been doing. That's step one. Perhaps it will help her begin the journey toward sobriety. Wishing you peace.
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5986700 tn?1380791380
.....great advice ......she most definitely using.  Again, ditto what was posted above. Good luck prayers.
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Avatar universal
Not being involved in her addiction does not mean you are abandoning her. It means you are taking care of yourself. Many (most) parents, like your mom think they are keeping their kid safe by allowing them at home but it's just the opposite. Your sister will only get worse, not better in that situation. Being kicked out/homeless is often the bottom an addict needs to get clean. I know this is hard to hear but do not believe her words. She will tell you anything you wanna hear. We've all been there.You can believe her actions.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for the reply.  I have been talking to my mom about it recently too and she agreed that she is enabling her.  She is torn bc she thinks my sis is better off under her roof than some unknown.  I'm not ready to give up on her.  At times she seems to want to change but ultimately nothing happens. We need to get her help but I wasn't sure how to go about getting help for an unidentified problem.  I will look into your suggestion.  Thanks again for the reply.
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Avatar universal
Hi there. Yup, all of that sounds like every symptom of opiate abuse.
If I can make a suggestion to you, stop accusing her at this point. She knows you're on to her. There is literally nothing you can do. She has to hit her own bottom. This is really her and your mother's problem, since she is living w/ her. If your mother is allowing her to stay there, and rent free, she is enabling your sister to the nth degree. Nothing will change is she has food, and a roof over her head given to her. Your mother needs to put her foot down. But, again, that is your mother's problem. I know it's so hard to watch. That's why Alanon was created. It's for folks like you who are baffled and at their wit's end from a loved one's drug/alcohol abuse. Please, for yourself, look up an alanon meeting and go. You will get clarity and lots of folks in your same situation:)
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