re: Suicide attempt thread sparked a question in my head

Kidnap parents and take them to an AA meeting. Or Al Anon

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I have talked with the cops several times, and am always told that my parents must make the reports or file charges, as it is their property.
My Dad says he has filed the reports, but I believe my mother is always talking him down.

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You are screwed man. I am sorry. Every junkie NEEDS an enabler. I have a 41 year old meth head family member. He is a turd and is sucking away all of the joy his mother will ever have in the short time she has left on Earth. Her husband passed suddenly a few years ago, and she is too old school to ever remarry. He uses his daughter to mooch money off of her. It is terrible.

Any chance you could convince your parents to talk with a professional about your sister for advice on how to deal with her? Maybe hearing what they should be doing from a counselor would convince them.

My aunt continuously bailed out her son from debt etc... due to a drinking and gambling addiction. He was in rehab a bazillion times, but it never worked out. He didn't have the desire to quit. He died with an empty bottle in bed with him. I had to cut ties with him after a period of time. It was outside of my control as far as helping him and it was harmful to me to keep trying. I regret that he couldn't overcome it. He was too far gone, but I don't regret discontinuing trying to help him. He knew I was there if he tried. He knew he would have my support. Sad story. Such a great guy.

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I would not sever ties with my parents just to ensure severing ties with your sister.

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I agree with this and it would only make matters worse for your parents. They would lose you and your brother while feeling they need to help your sister. I can understand, however, not wanting your children around your sister if she exhibits unhealthy behavior around them or the like, but that's not the same as cutting all ties with your parents.

The problem with addicted folks is that sometimes, you can't help them and sometimes, it's better to cut ties with the caveat that if they decide to seek help, they know who will support them in that challenge. Like I said, my cousin knew I was there if he went for help and continued to try afterward. I took a week off work at a relatively new job to attend family week at one of his stints. Even after I cut ties, when I heard he was back in rehab, I wrote him a letter of support. He told folks he went in of his own choice. I found out later that wasn't the case, sadly, and he went right back to his old ways upon getting out. That was his last rehab after many.

I loved him and I was crushed when he passed away so young, but I have no guilt. I, along with his family and siblings tried hard to help him. Eventually, we had to give up and pray he would be able to overcome it. Some people just can't and I believe he was one of those who simply couldn't beat it. It was like terminal cancer in him. He was too far gone.