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TheOutsider90
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Frown Oct 08, 2018 at 09:01 PM
  #1
My brother has been struggling with addiction for a few years now. It's gotten very bad lately and it's been wearing on the whole family, which I'm sure has not made me very easy to live with. The other day I confided in my husband that I always blamed myself for my brother's drug use (because I'm the older sister, and I'm supposed to protect him. And because he started experimenting when I went away to college).

Anyways, some background- my husband used cocaine before we started dating. I told him back then that I didn't want a relationship with someone who was using drugs. Lately, I've been wondering if he's using it again. I could be paranoid because of my brother's problem, but he's been sketchy with his phone and staying out with friends late (and no, I don't think he is cheating). A couple days ago 80$ went missing from my wallet. I was already stressed and started asking him if he took the money, because there was really no one else who would have. He denied it and got very defensive when I asked if he was doing coke again. He yelled at me for not trusting him. What hurt the most, was that he said I am going to drive him to do drugs. I just can't take it anymore... This isn't the first time money had gone missing. It could have been my brother before, but he wasn't around this past time. I'm already losing my mind over trying to save my brother, I don't think I can deal with any more drugs...
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Smile Oct 09, 2018 at 01:39 PM
  #2
I'm sorry you are the midst of this difficult, confusing situation. What you wrote reminded me of the concept of "gaslighting". Here are links to 5 articles, from PsychCentral's archives, on the subject of gaslighting, it's harmful effects, & how to deal with it plus links to 2 articles on the subject of addiction:

Signs of Gaslighting and the Cost

How to Understand Gaslighting

Gaslighting: What It Is and Why It's So Destructive | The Psychology of Self

7 Ways to Extinguish Gaslighting

Gaslighting: How Addicts Drive Loved Ones Over the Edge | Sex and Intimacy

https://blogs.psychcentral.com/addic...ugs-over-love/

https://blogs.psychcentral.com/addic...y-addicts-lie/

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Red face Oct 09, 2018 at 06:32 PM
  #3
thank you for reaching out here.
please keep posting.
((((HUGS))))
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TheOutsider90
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Default Oct 09, 2018 at 08:59 PM
  #4
Wow, I had never heard of this before, but after reading those articles I definitely see some connections between his behavior and gaslighting. He definitely tried to deflect blame and not take responsibility for what he does, and even though I haven't proven it, I'm almost positive that he has lied. And I have definitely questioned myself- did I spend the money and forget? Could I have dropped it? Could my brother have taken it? I do feel crazy sometimes when we argue even if I have a valid reason to be upset, and one thing he always gets mad about is that I don't trust him. I don't really believe that he's trying to hurt me, but that he's trying to protect himself. Which I know is selfish of him. We've only been married 6 months... I don't know what to do.
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Red face Oct 14, 2018 at 09:42 PM
  #5
I am glad that you are reaching out to us here.

but do you have a therapist to call upon?
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Default Oct 21, 2018 at 12:01 PM
  #6
No, no therapist at the moment. I'm trying to find one currently
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Red face Oct 23, 2018 at 11:02 PM
  #7
Do you have insurance? They can help you find one on their plan.
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Default Oct 25, 2018 at 06:26 AM
  #8
Hi...so yelling and getting defensive is one of the sure signs of lying.
Sounds to me that he is doing drugs again. Knowing you want to be in denial because you don't want to deal with it.

But as you said 80 dollars went missing and your brother was not around.

As far as your brothers choices to do drugs...You could not follow him to college and be his support or live his life for him.

You have to realize that God or a higher power is in control for the fate of your brother and not you...I had to realize this for one of my sons.

And the minute I got super burnt out finally after many years of loving, protecting and saving my son....I one night said....I give him to you God...because I can no longer drain myself of this wasted energy concerning worrying about him every second.

You can only make choices for yourself....You can chose to stand by your lying husband...or you can chose to ask him to do something about his "problem" HIS problem...just like your brothers problems are your brothers problems.

Or you may have to make a choice to remove YOURSELF from the situation YOU have control ONLY OVER YOUR CHOICES and you can chose to be happy or be in the constant chaos that drug addiction brings with it.

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Default Nov 08, 2018 at 08:11 PM
  #9
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheOutsider90 View Post
My brother has been struggling with addiction for a few years now. It's gotten very bad lately and it's been wearing on the whole family, which I'm sure has not made me very easy to live with. The other day I confided in my husband that I always blamed myself for my brother's drug use (because I'm the older sister, and I'm supposed to protect him. And because he started experimenting when I went away to college).

Anyways, some background- my husband used cocaine before we started dating. I told him back then that I didn't want a relationship with someone who was using drugs. Lately, I've been wondering if he's using it again. I could be paranoid because of my brother's problem, but he's been sketchy with his phone and staying out with friends late (and no, I don't think he is cheating). A couple days ago 80$ went missing from my wallet. I was already stressed and started asking him if he took the money, because there was really no one else who would have. He denied it and got very defensive when I asked if he was doing coke again. He yelled at me for not trusting him. What hurt the most, was that he said I am going to drive him to do drugs. I just can't take it anymore... This isn't the first time money had gone missing. It could have been my brother before, but he wasn't around this past time. I'm already losing my mind over trying to save my brother, I don't think I can deal with any more drugs...
I'm sorry that you are struggling right now! You have us to lean on for support.
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Default Nov 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM
  #10
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skeezyks View Post
I'm sorry you are the midst of this difficult, confusing situation. What you wrote reminded me of the concept of "gaslighting". Here are links to 5 articles, from PsychCentral's archives, on the subject of gaslighting, it's harmful effects, & how to deal with it plus links to 2 articles on the subject of addiction:

Signs of Gaslighting and the Cost

How to Understand Gaslighting

Gaslighting: What It Is and Why It's So Destructive | The Psychology of Self

7 Ways to Extinguish Gaslighting

Gaslighting: How Addicts Drive Loved Ones Over the Edge | Sex and Intimacy

https://blogs.psychcentral.com/addic...ugs-over-love/

https://blogs.psychcentral.com/addic...y-addicts-lie/

These are great tools and advice to use.
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Default Nov 11, 2018 at 11:03 AM
  #11
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheOutsider90 View Post
Wow, I had never heard of this before, but after reading those articles I definitely see some connections between his behavior and gaslighting. He definitely tried to deflect blame and not take responsibility for what he does, and even though I haven't proven it, I'm almost positive that he has lied. And I have definitely questioned myself- did I spend the money and forget? Could I have dropped it? Could my brother have taken it? I do feel crazy sometimes when we argue even if I have a valid reason to be upset, and one thing he always gets mad about is that I don't trust him. I don't really believe that he's trying to hurt me, but that he's trying to protect himself. Which I know is selfish of him. We've only been married 6 months... I don't know what to do.
I would think about leaving out for my own security.
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Default Nov 11, 2018 at 11:04 AM
  #12
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Originally Posted by bizi View Post
I am glad that you are reaching out to us here.

but do you have a therapist to call upon?
bizi
That a great idea! I think that having a therapist could help you with your feeling.
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Default Nov 11, 2018 at 03:35 PM
  #13
((((TheOutsider90)))) I'm sorry you have to deal with this. You have every right to be angry... it's likely he's manipulating you. I'd reconsider this relationship... I'm so sorry
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Default Nov 11, 2018 at 03:36 PM
  #14
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skeezyks View Post
I'm sorry you are the midst of this difficult, confusing situation. What you wrote reminded me of the concept of "gaslighting". Here are links to 5 articles, from PsychCentral's archives, on the subject of gaslighting, it's harmful effects, & how to deal with it plus links to 2 articles on the subject of addiction:

Signs of Gaslighting and the Cost

How to Understand Gaslighting

Gaslighting: What It Is and Why It's So Destructive | The Psychology of Self

7 Ways to Extinguish Gaslighting

Gaslighting: How Addicts Drive Loved Ones Over the Edge | Sex and Intimacy

https://blogs.psychcentral.com/addic...ugs-over-love/

https://blogs.psychcentral.com/addic...y-addicts-lie/

Skeezyks, you just helped me realize something very important. It is better to guide folks to read up on topics they would benefit from instead of telling them what to do.

TY TY TY TY TY!!!!!!!!!

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Default Nov 11, 2018 at 03:42 PM
  #15
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheOutsider90 View Post
My brother has been struggling with addiction for a few years now. It's gotten very bad lately and it's been wearing on the whole family, which I'm sure has not made me very easy to live with. The other day I confided in my husband that I always blamed myself for my brother's drug use (because I'm the older sister, and I'm supposed to protect him. And because he started experimenting when I went away to college).

Anyways, some background- my husband used cocaine before we started dating. I told him back then that I didn't want a relationship with someone who was using drugs. Lately, I've been wondering if he's using it again. I could be paranoid because of my brother's problem, but he's been sketchy with his phone and staying out with friends late (and no, I don't think he is cheating). A couple days ago 80$ went missing from my wallet. I was already stressed and started asking him if he took the money, because there was really no one else who would have. He denied it and got very defensive when I asked if he was doing coke again. He yelled at me for not trusting him. What hurt the most, was that he said I am going to drive him to do drugs. I just can't take it anymore... This isn't the first time money had gone missing. It could have been my brother before, but he wasn't around this past time. I'm already losing my mind over trying to save my brother, I don't think I can deal with any more drugs...
TheOutsider90, I am so sorry you are in that stressful situation!! I am glad you are here, though, because lots of folks here can relate to your situation and provide with with feedback and ideas on what to do next. And I see you are getting great feedback already. Bless your heart, I hope everything works out for you.

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Default Nov 11, 2018 at 05:45 PM
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Originally Posted by MickeyCheeky View Post
((((TheOutsider90)))) I'm sorry you have to deal with this. You have every right to be angry... it's likely he's manipulating you. I'd reconsider this relationship... I'm so sorry
I completely agree with you about this relationship
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Default Nov 11, 2018 at 05:46 PM
  #17
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No, no therapist at the moment. I'm trying to find one currently
It a start and that the first step.
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Default Nov 11, 2018 at 05:48 PM
  #18
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Originally Posted by Misssy2 View Post
Hi...so yelling and getting defensive is one of the sure signs of lying.
Sounds to me that he is doing drugs again. Knowing you want to be in denial because you don't want to deal with it.

But as you said 80 dollars went missing and your brother was not around.

As far as your brothers choices to do drugs...You could not follow him to college and be his support or live his life for him.

You have to realize that God or a higher power is in control for the fate of your brother and not you...I had to realize this for one of my sons.

And the minute I got super burnt out finally after many years of loving, protecting and saving my son....I one night said....I give him to you God...because I can no longer drain myself of this wasted energy concerning worrying about him every second.

You can only make choices for yourself....You can chose to stand by your lying husband...or you can chose to ask him to do something about his "problem" HIS problem...just like your brothers problems are your brothers problems.

Or you may have to make a choice to remove YOURSELF from the situation YOU have control ONLY OVER YOUR CHOICES and you can chose to be happy or be in the constant chaos that drug addiction brings with it.
That is great advice!
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Default Nov 11, 2018 at 05:49 PM
  #19
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Originally Posted by HappyCrafter View Post
Skeezyks, you just helped me realize something very important. It is better to guide folks to read up on topics they would benefit from instead of telling them what to do.

TY TY TY TY TY!!!!!!!!!
That great advice!
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