COMING OFF DRUGS: HOW THE FAMILY REACTS-SISTERS AND BROTHERS

Sadly, addicts have been known to recruit their brothers and sisters into drug-using. Most addicts prefer to get stoned in company, and they will therefore try to get others into drug using.

The other problem faced by brothers and sisters is that they get little or no attention from their parents. While the pointless search is on to 'cure' the addict, they may be quite neglected.

It is therefore extremely important that you should get help for yourselves from Families Anonymous - no matter what your parents are doing. You will find other young people there who have gone through the experience of seeing a sister or a brother become addicted. Teenagers with alcoholic brothers, sisters or parents can join Alateen, which is part of the Al-anon

organisation.

Just like parents of addicts, brothers and sisters should make sure they get on with their own lives. Don't let your school work or career suffer. Make sure you have an enjoyable social life, and an enjoyable love life too.

Making yourself suffer won't help the addict. Remember: what's good for you is good for the addict.

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Anti-Smoking