Drug Addiction Stories & Info

Yesterday was a great day.  I took my nephew Trick or Treating.  He was dressed as Spiderman which is my brother’s favorite super hero.

I have come a long way in the nearly thirteen months since my sister-in-law called.  My brother had a stroke from literally out of nowhere.  It shocked the entire family.  He has always been the strong one, staying in our hometown and taking care of our parents and the ranch while I took off to the city where I could be alone and drink and get high.

By the time I got to the hospital, I was fairly sober but I know my sister-in-law had it figured out.  Still, she was grateful I came.  When they finally let us see my brother, I was shocked.  He looked so helpless there in the ICU.

I stayed at the hospital all the next week except for showering and catnaps at the ranch and I remember praying at one point while it was just the two of us that I would do anything if he could be spared.
“Anything?  Will you get help and move home, Sis?”

He was speaking!  I was thrilled.  I told him yes.  Sure enough, that stubborn big brother of mine got better, got physical therapy and after a  while, even got off the walker.  While he was at it, he had me keeping a promise too.  He had one of his old high school buddies get me into a confidential drug rehab.  I left my job stating I needed to move back home to help my brother.

The confidential drug rehab center gave me the privacy I needed in my line of work to get clean and be an active member of society again.  I was there for two months and still attend some outpatient sessions there.  The support group is awesome and we are able to maintain our privacy.  Yes, I have run into a couple of people there that I know on the outside.  We just give each other an extra high five or hug when we see each other in town.

My brother saved my life when he had his stroke. I felt I needed to tell him that so in one of our family sessions, I told him so.  I felt guilty about it, but he said it was worth it just to have me home and myself again.

He still has trouble sometimes getting around but for the most part he is doing good.  I think that’s why I jumped at the chance to take my nephew last night.  I am able to give back just a little to the big brother that has given me a second chance at life just by helping when he and his wife need it.

A year ago I hated life.  Now I embrace it and am thankful for every day with my family.  I miss Sheryl and Patsy still but now I have learned through therapy that I am not honoring their memories if I throw my own life away.

I just thought of something.  Spiderman was my brother’s favorite superhero.  My brother is mine.