Wow, Steph. I can't help but wonder if your deep conversation with him recently was a help in his decision.

Wow, Steph. I can't help but wonder if your deep conversation with him recently was a help in his decision.

I was wondering that, too. I got off the phone this morning, and after I stopped sobbing (in the garage at work -- stay classy, Lang), I thought, "Shit, I broke my brother! My parents are going to kill me!"

When I talked to him Thursday night, I told him he could deal with all his shit; I just didn't know he'd jump on the fast track. That *is* awesome. But very overwhelming.

The very best to your brother, Steph. He probably drank more over most weekends, and Mondays had been getting worse for some time. The realization that drinking is getting in the way of work is a fairly classic bottom. (Shut up. That's what they call it in AA.) It sound pretty hopeful, Steph, because that is often a "high bottom," (Shut up.) which can make for a better recovery, unless the person starts thinking, "I wasn't so bad." I don't know if you ever had anything to do with Al-anon, but it was a big help to my mom.

I hope your brother gets the help he needs, Steph.

When I talked to him Thursday night, I told him he could deal with all his shit; I just didn't know he'd jump on the fast track. That *is* awesome. But very overwhelming.

You're a good sister.

I don't know if you ever had anything to do with Al-anon, but it was a big help to my mom.

I went to Al-Anon for a little while about 10 years ago, maybe a little more (I come from a long line of alcoholics, on both sides), and it helped me, as much as therapy did, to get some perspective and start setting boundaries, etc. (because even alcoholics who no longer drink can still be problematic -- stopping the booze doesn't stop all the problems).

I may well go back in the near future.

My mother and I used to say we could make money selling "Sober is not enough" buttons at Al-anon. Hmmm. Making buttons is easy these days....

I thought your SiL might benefit too, particularly now when she needs to hear she's not alone.

I thought your SiL might benefit too, particularly now when she needs to hear she's not alone.

Definitely. Once things are sorted out and they know when and where Jeff is going for rehab, I'll be on the phone with her. A lot.

Sending out all the best mental healing ~ma for Teppy's brother and the rest of your family.

Also some for Sean's Self-Image Angels' voices to get stronger.

And for P-C's mom - I just. I can't. I don't know whether she broke herself, or if someone else broke her - but I know how happy you would feel if she stopped being less broken. You are an awesome guy - a hard worker, smart, good person - a healthy mother should be basking in delight and pride. It's sad to me that yours is missing out.

That's wonderful, if boggling news, Tep. One of my brothers had to hit rock bottom before he went to rehab, but the other was like yours. He became aware he had a problem almost before everyone realized he did, and went right into rehab. He's been happily sober for many years now.

Stoopid demons. Fuck off, demons, and leave Sean alone.

Steph, that is huge. Good for him. Wow.

Coveniently for me, the tools I need to work are at another job I don't have the key to, so I am getting to sit with my laptop and catch up on the shit I was supposed to do this weekend. Helps that I only have Internet on my phone at the job site.