I have been worrying about my brother who is an alcoholic/drug abuser.  I can't seem

    to stop worrying.  I still haven't let go of the notion that if I pray enough for him, I can

    save him.  I put it on myself.  I also have a two-year old to look after, and my own

   problems.  My brother lives in Japan, so I really only know most of what I know through

   my mother.  He doesn't speak Japanese, so even if he wanted to get help, I don't know how

   he would.  He hasn't worked in years, and if his wife got tired of it all, which I hear might be

   happening, I am really afraid that he will end up on the streets.  I don't think that he has

   the means to take care of himself anymore.  I know that only he can help himself, but

   how?       Laurie 

 

A prayer for your brother, It is so hard to let go of the people we love. Maybe if u remember that your brother has a Higher Power too and he will take him where he needs to go. He is not alone. Prayer always helps. Even tho your brother is in a foriegn country he can still get the help he need, japan is very progressive almost all speak english perfectly, AA is world wide. pray that he finds his way to a meeting. will be thinking of you . I hope u are going to meetings for yourself that will help you to understand about this disease that at the moment is running his life. There is always hope , don't give up.   Louise

Hi Laurie,

Don't give up on the power of prayer, it is the one thing we can do.

Your brother has to find his own way. Not to sound cruel but if he ends up one the street he might listen to his own HP and find a way to recovery. You are not responsible for his drinking and neither is his wife. He has to find his "bottom" and look to get help."

You need to take care of you and your little one and keep praying that his HP takes care of him.

                                           Love Jeannie

As others have said so well, pepo, only your brother can help himself. Of course it is helpful for your prayers to be with him, but it's entirely his call. He can get the help he needs in Japan. I have been there a couple of times; the majority of the people speak English, they like Americans, and would lead him to the path he needs to follow if only he will ask. AA is there for him. So keep your prayers and positive thoughts with him, and allow his Higher Power to do the rest. With caring, Diva

          Thanks for your replies.  It helps to hear that my prayers can help.  I just need

         to know when to say, "Okay, that is enough".  I am a stay-at-home mom, and it

         is harder to detatch, because I am alone or with a two-year old much of the time.

         Also, talking to people who really understand helps.  Thanks!!!  Laurie