I can't answer that and evidently he can't either. I can't even begin to tell you how many times we've tried to help him.

Do you think quitting would have worked?

It did work. Until he started using again. Every time. I wrote about it in my personal journal if you're interested.

I'm backing off a bit because I'm taking it personally. Sorry for that.

The only answer for an addict is abstinence for life. No matter how hard or simplistic or brutally blunt that may come across it’s still true. It’s also true that abstinence means not using. An addict has to stop forever. I don’t care if a five year old can say that and the obviousness of it invites derision. It is true and it is that simple. Doesn’t mean it’s easy but unequivocally it’s what has to be done.

This is the generally accepted wisdom. You can't ride the line.

Sure yeah. Just understand that I'm coming from a mindset of having to learn what addiction was at a very young age. I probably saw my brother go through every stage an addict goes through. Multiple times.

I mean, he plead guilty to a felony due partly to him being an addict. And thats not the only charge. I get it. He has to stop on his own. Doesn't make it any less offensive when someone else says "what's so hard about it?" I know you meant no harm but it's ****ing hard. I could tell that just by watching my brother constantly go through it.

I can't feel the frustration through my computer screen. I had to make two spare keys for my car a few months ago and it cost me around $130 too. I would have stormed back in there if my parents weren't the ones who covered it.

I never said what’s so hard about it. I know what’s so ****ing hard about it.

Maybe. But why **** with it. No drug is that important.

Even if you get at the root I still say stay the **** away. Especially if you’re already a dying old ****.

They are if you're an addict.