Today I am going to my nieces funeral, 39 years old, 2 small children, has been addicted to pills for years, she went into the hospital with an infection to her kidneys due to her addiction, was put in an enduced coma, the infection traveled through her body, they had to amputate her legs, the infection continued to spread and she never recovered from it and passed away. Her dad who is my brother, i tried to help her so many times, they were in denial of her drug abuse, told me to leave them alone, cut me off from my family. They all live in denial even when the doctors told them that she died from drug abuse, mostly taking pills. I have so many mixed feelings now. I am a Recovery Coach and it saddens me that just because i am in recovery, I became my nieces villan. Im from a large Italian family 8 kids, now my family is divided. So sad what addiction does to a family when they are in denial. Blessed today I continue my journey of recovery 39 years of recovery and still blessed.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I understand how this loss is close to home and heart. I am proud of your own personal commitment and commitment to helping others. Sending you support and hugs, Jo Jo.
@jo402391 First off, my condolences for your loss. We, the class of 80's, need to stick together and guide the young pups as they trudge the road to a happy destiny. We lead by example. Granted the family is divided at least some are seeing this event through your eyes.
I pray and hope that the rest will come around.
I, too, come from a large Metzican catholic family. We can compare denial all day long.
One of my siblings took their life decades ago yet half are in denial about it. I'm like, seriously, with a weapon still in hand, a handle of Jack next to them, and you still can't come to the conclusion that they had an addiction to alcohol. Heck, the Coroners report lists the C.O.D. as acute lead and alcohol poisoning. Yet they still don't believe. So, I get it. Denial is not just the river in Egypt.
Again I hope and pray that they will come around.
Second... 
CONGRATULATIONS on your 14382 days of sobriety. Keep up the good work.
I'm hear/here for you.
Convincing a family member, especially a parent, that they are enabling is difficult. Parents often feel responsible for a child’s addiction and enable out of guilt.
I’m so sorry. How are you doing?
Thank you Michael for your kind words.
You said it all Michael
Well said