Post Punk Kitchen Forum

I would also recommend this. My parents have gambling addictions that affected me, so I've tried to minimize contact with them as much as possible. I probably wouldn't talk to them at all except my sister still lives with them.

Hugs, and support for you! It's hard when family sucks. But you are not any of the bad things they say you are, and you are a good person. Be good to yourself!

so sorry you have to deal with this

Hugs Paprikapapaya, that sounds tremendously draining and difficult.

Please consider checking out Al-Anon or Narc-Anon, they provide support to family and friends of alcoholics and drug addicts respectfully, and you may find people who will be able to understand what you are going through and help you come to terms with the disfunction their addiction entails for you.

paprikapapaya! i'm so sorry!

I love you guys, I appreciate your comments a lot!

I'm so sorry you have to deal with that. It's hard watching someone destroy themselves, and not want to get help, and even worse when that person is your parent and you suffer abuse and neglect because of it. You're brave, strong, and amazing, though, and that's something they can't take away.

I'd agree with everyone who says cut ties with the parents, but let your brother know you're there for him, if and when he wants help. Is it possible for you to change your phone numbers so that they can't contact you?

I have nothing to offer you but the biggest hugs and good thoughts.

that sounds so hard. do you have a good relationship with your partner's family, or have close friends who you consider family? i also have a less than awesome family and i wasn't really able to accept that they are who they are and i can deal with life without their support until i felt like i had other people in my life who have become my chosen family.

I'm so sorry that you're going through all of this with your family right now. I agree with everyone who suggested that you cut ties with your parents, but let your brother know that you'll be there for him.

Hugs and more hugs!! And lots of healing thoughts. You are clearly hurting. Take care of yourself.

Aw, I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I don't really know what to say. You sound like a really strong and amazing person.

that really sucks.
lots and lots of hugs.
I know i am new to the forums but i really feel you on this one. My parents have very similar problems and actually today everything turned into a crapstorm over the usual issues.
Its been hard to deal with and I can imagine how hard things must seem but it gets better. i promise.

*supergianthugs* for you, Crystal.

I hope you can talk to someone because you are shouldering a lot of worry and responsibility xox

Man that's rough, I found it hard enough with one shitty parent, I can't imagine how hard it would be with two :[ Huge hugs to you <3

Tons and tons of hugs for you. I am sorry you have to deal with this, but I am glad that you have stayed on your path and are taking care of yourself. I hope your brother will get some help soon (and get out of that environment too). <3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

Thank you guys. xoxoxoxo
Fortunately (I guess?) for me, not only do I avoid interaction with my parents but they seem to care so little about me that they don't make contact with me anyway. So, that's....a....plus?

But my brother is my best friend. I love him and I will always be there for him. He knows that, too. So, atleast there's that.

Oh, wow. You're awesome for trying to get through to them, I would never have the patience for that. But it seems like the time has come to realise that all you can do is try to help, and that if they don't want your help then there's not much more that can be done. I agree with those that recommended you cut ties with your parents, but still try to help your brother however you can. I'm not sure what you can do for his situation, but maybe you could pay a visit to a BDD specialist and see what actions they recommend you to take.

The fact that you've come out of this environment so smart, compassionate and generally awesome is seriously inspiring and something to be very proud of.

I hope you can get help for your brother and make peace with things yourself, pp. I've always been in awe of your awesomeness generally and to hear that you've had to deal with such awfulness just makes me admire you even more. I'm so sorry this situation is causing you such heartache. <3 <3 <3

I know you wrote this a while ago, but I just wanted to let you know that my heart goes out to you. It sounds like you have worked so hard to put your past behind you and create a healthy and successful life for yourself.

Hang in there... it sucks so much when you don't have a parent ( s ) to take care of you and appreciate you. When you have to be your own parent and have such responsibility for your brother.

<3

What MBM said. Toxic people are toxic people. Blood doesn't make it any easier to tolerate them and you shouldn't have to. They are adults.

Hugs and <3

Ack! I'm sorry you have to go through this. Keep away from the parental units, like the others have said, and keep the sibling solidarity!

Hope everything turns out well for you and your brother! <3

You are a wonderful compassionate woman, so you have done wonderful things to overcome the damage inflicted by your parents. As others have said, it is their addiction and own issues that make them treat you so, not anything to do with you.

Hugs and love.

Hugs and love to you. You are an amazing, strong person who has done awesome things in your life. It sucks that your parents are so crepe, and that your brother is going through such a hard time. I have no advice, but I'm wishing you strength and courage to get through this - you can!