I'm not one to air out my families' misfortunes, BUT, I got a heartwrenching phone call from my brother-in-law this morning. Apparently, my sister Paula tried to kill herself last night by overdosing on Zanax, alcohol & sleeping pills, after she tried to run down my brother-in-law in his truck !!!! She did this all in front of my 3 nephews, ages 14,12, & 10. The kids are very upset, as to be expected, especially the oldest who turns 14 today.

My sister is being held in a detox center about 12 miles away from my house. NO ONE is allowed to see her, not even her husband. My sister has been an alcoholic and drug addict for a very long time now. I have offered to drive her to AA meetings & doctor's appointments, but she has refused. She has told me that there is nothing wrong with her, in the past. Finally today she told my brother-in-law that she has a problem and she needs help to stop her destructive behavior. I'm relieved that she finally has taken the first step to her long road of recovery.

What disturbs me the most, besides her doing this in front of her boys, is the fact that this isn't the first time. She's tried overdosing at least 3 other times, the very first time ( at the age of 16.... she will be 36 in December) she almost succeeded. Her abuse problems have torn my family apart. My parents and brother use 'tough love' on her. I try to also, but then she lays a guilt trip on me how everyone doesn't love her and goes back to her drinking and pill popping again.... this time worse than the time before.

I'm glad she's finally getting help, but I'm not convinced that she will stay on the wagon. She's lied to me so many times all ready, telling me that she stopped drinking, that I never know when to believe her anymore. I just don't know what to do anymore. She's in danger of losing her 3 kids because of her actions, and possibly going to jail for trying to run down my brother-in-law. I love my sister very much, but I know that if she stays on this destructive path, she won't make it to the age of 40. (She already has been dianosed with emphasema & sorosis of the liver) Please pray that Paula will overcome her obstacles, and get rid of the monkey that has plagued her all these years. Thank you for letting me vent.

I can understand your concerns, Jodi. Let's hope that with proper treatment she'll overcome her addiction issues and things will slowly go back to normal. Hugs to you and your sister. :ghug: Please keep us posted. :rose:

Wow, what a horrible situation, Jodi. I hope that Paula will kick the habit and realize that her husband and kids need her to be healthy and happy! Not just them but you and the rest of your family! I will definitely be thinking of you and your sister, Jodi!

Sorry to hear about your sister. :( Hopefully she will get the counselling she needs to overcome this.

Oh no! :( I'm so sorry, Jodi. I hope she can get the help she needs :hug:

:vibes: Good vibes going your way. Hope things work out for the best for your family. :vibes:

I'm sending you and your sister good vibes too, sweetheart!!! :vibes: I have a sister named Paula, too, so she will be in my thoughts and prayers... :bigangel:

Jodi, may God bless you, your sister and family, with the strength you need to get through such a difficult time.

Having survived a suicide attempt recently, I can only say that when you wake up and realize you did not succeed, if you pay attention you see how your actions have torn the people who love you apart. You also know, that you will not get better or stand a chance of surviving, unless the help you need is obtained. It is such a shame that so many people have to hit rock-bottom, somtimes more than once, to seek the help they need.

I had a sister who was an alcoholic and drug addict. She died an untimely death in her sleep almost two years ago, two weeks before her 56th birthday. It was sad, because in her last ten years of life she had really straightened herself out. I believe her death was partially the result of years of abusing her body. I never knew when to believe her or not, or when to run to her aid when she was messed up.

Sometimes you have to accept things the way they are and keep hoping for the best. Trust your gut and instincts, and never question them. Do what you can, keeping in mind that only your sister can truly heal herself.

Jodi, I am sorry that happened to your sister. I knew about the kind of problems your sister was having. I didn't think it would go to that extent again!

I can understand what you are feeling right now! I know it hurts so much when a loved one tries to this thing to themselves and the millions of questions that are going through your mind!

I hope your sis finds the help she needs. I hope that she can see the light and see that things aren't hopeless as they appear. My thoughts are with ya Jodi! :ghug:

Thank you all so much for your support. I really need it during this difficult time. I have spend much of the day crying and wondering why she couldn't just talk to me. I have always been there for Paula, but in the last 4 monthes we haven't talked for reasons still unknown to me. I can't help feeling guilty, that I wasn't there for her this time, but in the same token I know you can't help someone who isn't willing to help themself.

Each time she has done this, has been harder to deal with than the last. Emotionally, I'm torn, saddened, & extremely mad at her for being so selfish and inconsiderate of everyone's feelings. I still can't believe that she tried to rundown my brother -in- law in front of her sons and all her neighbors. I also found out that she almost hit a neighbor's 4 year old who was playing in her yard near the street. My sister doesn't remember any of this. I'm scared for her, because I don't know if she will lose her parental rights because of her actions, and if she will be brought up on charges for attempted murder or assault. The police haven't said anything yet, because it's still under investigation. My sister really screwed up this time !!!!!

My family has been calling me all day today trying to find out what happened. Because I wasn't physically there, I can only tell them what I was told. ( She lives 20 miles away from me )There is a feeling of sadness throughout my family ( mother, father, brother, youngest sister & myself.) We just can't believe she did this again. I am having a hard time with the image of my oldest nephew, who turned 14 today, breaking down in my arms last night when I went to visit and support his family. Michael ( my nephew) cried hysterically and held on to me for dear life. I hugged him so tight and we cried together. I told him I was there for him and if he needed someone to talk to he could call me. I felt helpless and like a failure, because I couldn't take away his pain.

The doctor at the Detox said he didn't know when Paula would be allowed to get out. He did say, she'll probably be there for at least a week. The good thing is she can't sign herself out, she has no choice but to get help !!!! As soon as I get any updates I'll let you all know. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. Your support is helping me to deal with all this pain. Bless you all :hug:

I am so sorry to hear about this, Jodi!:rose::hug: Good vibes and prayers are on the way!:vibes:

Oh no Jodi, what a tragic situation. I am glad your brother-in-law and that 4 year old neighbor are safe. Hope any charges are drop. But I sure hope your sister learns something from this though.

I am sending positive energies to you and your sister. :vibes: :vibes:

Take care! :hug:

SO sory to hear this news, my family will send prayers and positive thoughts your way......

All good vibes heading your way Jodi.

Jodi, You vent away all you want, thats what we're here for. Good vibes going to you from Ireland this evening.

:hug: You got it, Sister :rose:

:ghug: Hang in there, you have our support. :rose:

Thank you all again, so much !!!! You don't know how much it is helping me to know that I have so many friends here who support me and my family. It has been a tough 48 hrs.... but I'm trying to deal and hoping that Paula will honestly make an attempt to straighten out her life !!!! I love her so much... and it hurts that she felt she couldn't talk to me about this. She feels so hopeless, but she has so much to live for.

The only update that I have tonight is, my brother-in-law Walter talked to the doctor at the detox today. The doctor told Walter that Paula is responding to the program, and is making some new friends. He also said that it is up to Paula as to how long she will have to stay there. It could be 1 week, 30 days, or as long as 60 days. Walter told the doctor that after Paula is released he wants her to have some kind of counselling. Hopefully the counselling will deter her from wanting to drink and take her drugs. I only pray !!!!! We are going to try to help her to stay off them, but it will only help if she wants to stay off them. I'll keep you all posted on Paula's progress. Thanks again to you all !!!! You're wonderful friends :hug: