Someone, please help me help my best friend and her family?

Question

My best friend is going through a really tough time. Her family is falling apart and it's tearing her apart. Her mother and little brother has a pill addiction and her little sister is on drugs and is continually getting into trouble with the law (about other stuff). Her household became unbearable for her to deal with so she moved out. She's asked her father (divorced her mother and remarried) and other family members to help but they say they will and have yet to do anything.

She's called the police on her mother a few times before when things would get too crazy in the house. Both her mother and brother have been in rehab but it hasn't worked (obviously). Now she's at a lost because she doesn't know what to do to help. I feel helpless because I don't know what I can do to help her. What should she do? Please help her. Or at least tell me what I can do to help her help her family.

(I posted this here because I thought someone out there would know how to help.)

Answer 1

Your friend needs an advocate, someone who will help her get the police to do something.  She needs to get family services involved, especially if her younger brother is very young.  The mother needs to lose both of her kids until she can get clean.  Check for free legal services in your area so she can get advice on what she can do to get to a safe place and get her mother and brother some real help.  

Answer 2

Wow what a mess :(

To be brutally honest, with such situations I would stay away. Not for an easier life, but the fact its their life. People can get VERY touchy when you intrude in such matters.

There is not alot you can do except support your friend in every way (make sure she dosent start letting grades drop etc) and being there when she needs you.

All the best and you and your friends family have my prayers this night.