Woman's Struggle To Get Her Brother Off Meth
From KELO Land TV

Internet Versions of KELOLAND News stories about Meth in the area:

'Cleaning Up the Meth Mess'

'Inmate Speaks About Meth Addiction'  

'KELOLand Woman's Struggle to Get Her Brother Off Meth'

'Breaking Free From Meth'    

'Meth Orphans'

Meth in the News

Originally found on KELO 08/09/2005

Methamphetamine abuse has become the fastest growing drug problem in the world and it's at an epidemic level in KELOLAND.

You can see the drug's destruction in an addict's teeth and appearance, but its also destroys families, lives and communities.

His addiction to METH took his life, twisted it and tore it in half. And then it did the same to his family's. His sister's strength and patience helped him get back on track. She doesn't want to be identified, but hopes her brother's battle to beat METH gives others the courage to help loved ones get clean.

Meth is a drug that takes over your life. It's a nightmare not only for those who use it, but also for the families that get stuck in the middle.

"I was very scared for him."

This woman, who wished not to be identified says she knew little about what would happen when she decided to get her brother help.
But the painful memories were enough to realize he need it soon.

She says, "He said get down, get down. Look. There they are. I said who? Who? They're after me, look! I look, it was a dry cleaning truck. It was so believable that he was getting me to get down on my knees in the parking lot."

And the paranoia that came with the drug only got worse.

"He had socks on the doorknobs because he thought someone was looking through the peepholes. We sat in there and we looked and the refrigerator was all apart and the living room had been taken apart, the carpet had been taken away from the walls and rolled up. I was very scary for him."

After two years of hallucinations from using the highly addictive drug, she knew it was time.

She says, "We need to get him some help. We need to take him now."

She realized his life was spiraling out of control. So she did what many are afraid to do... And forced him to get help.

She says, "It took a long time to get the meth out of his system. Meth is a big problem, it tears up families."

While it might have torn up her family, she feels peace, knowing she's saved his life.

She says, "He thanks me today for saving his life, but it was hard."

A challenge that this woman says no one should fear.

She says, "When you first start to see this in someone you love, go immediately and get help."

Jessica Hopkins
© 2005 KELOLAND TV. All Rights Reserved.