My Brother Destroyed My Family

It’s not easy having a drug addict in the family. My grandfather and my aunt, on my dads side were both alcoholics most of their lives. Thankfully both managed to get sober after years of fighting their pain. My brother is an addict and has constantly brought pain and stress to my family. In high school he drank beer like water, usually consuming an entire 24 pack in one sitting. On one occasion he decided it would be fun to take my car out for a spin while he was drunk. He was 18 at the time and the star quarterback of the high school football team. He was always a talented athlete. He never worked hard to be one, he was always just naturally gifted. He loved wearing the letterman jacket and being the popular kid, admired for his athletic ability. At home he was always a spoiled brat, who had to have his way or he would yell and scream and guilt you into giving him his way. Anytime my mother or father tried to discipline him or tell him he was wrong, he would erupt into a rage filled tantrum , yelling and trying to make it seem like he was the victim of a grave injustice. Looking back it seems like his ego was so fragile, that it would do anything to defend itself when criticized.

After high school he went to Blynn community college and spent the entire semester partying. My parents paid for everything, his tuition, his apartment. Anytime he needed more money he always knew how to work my dad. My dad is a classic enabler probably due to being raised by an alcoholic father, and dealing with an alcoholic sister. During his first semester my brother decided…