My brother is addicted to Oxycontin how can we get him to stop?

Question

I don't know if he wants to but he has stollen anything that he can get his hands on, credit cards, checks, he has pawned some of my father's prizes possesions. We just don't know what to do. They don't want to kick him out because he will just steal from them when they are at work. He has even been in jail for stealing minor things from stores. He has one foot in a grave. Is there anyone that has stopped this drug and how. we don't have very much money so we can't send him to rehab even if he would go, he is 26 and does nothing but steal and mooch, he makes more money than I do but he has no bills besides debts to drug dealers. The only reason he works is for the drug and if he doesn't work he steals for the drug.

Answer 1

You need to all sit down with him and tell him how its really hurting the family and him and what will happen if he doesn't quit. Rehab isn't going to help him, if he doesn't want to quit...your best change is to turn him into the police and they will send him to rehab for it.  

Answer 2

i know that scenario. my sister was caught up in that mess for a while. rule #1- a methadone clinic is NOT the answer!!!

A family intervention may help, but it may just fall on deaf ears to him. there are meetings and support groups for him to go to, they're free. like AA for people with drug probs.

I found that you have to let them hit rock bottom, they have to see and learn for themselves. You parents could turn him in to the police, and he would be forced to get clean in prison. You cant support someone on drugs in anyway, you cant let them live with you or let them steal from you, its enabling them. Its a long hard road. I know its so painful to watch someone you love spiral downwards, youre helpless. tough love is the best love in this case. Im sorry for you and your family, good luck.